Bicycle accident - what to do?

The fact that bicycles are becoming a common form of transportation unfortunately also means that we are increasingly likely to witness, and in the worst case, become victims of, accidents. The statistics are relentless – the more people ride, and the older they get (the country's demographics dictate), the greater the chances of an accident. Added to this is our national disregard for rules and our unwillingness to understand (to be clear, this also applies to cyclists) that we share infrastructure with others (cars, pedestrians, other cyclists). A bicycle accident is a terrible experience, but it's worth learning what to do in the worst-case scenario. We hope this helps.

What is a bicycle accident, or some theory

An accident is nothing more than a SUDDEN random event caused by an external cause, causing bodily harm and, in the worst case, death. While we theoretically can provide first aid, many of us are afraid or unsure how to do it properly. Our assistance will depend on many factors, as there are several types of accidents. The most common are road accidents, in which we can provide first aid in most cases. Remember that this is our responsibility; the first few minutes of saving a life are crucial. They determine whether a person has a chance of survival. The procedure for bicycle accidents is similar. However, bicycle accidents usually end in fractures, spinal injuries, or other bodily injuries. In this article, we will focus on the most common mistakes and explain the procedure in a worst-case scenario. But let's take it one step at a time.

We are calling for help

First aid and its definition based on the Act of 8 September 2006 on State Emergency Medical Services states that: it is a set of actions undertaken to save a person in a state of sudden health threat, performed by a person present at the scene of the event, including the use of medical devices and medicinal products available for general circulation.

How do we take the right actions? How do we determine which ones to take? In most cases, people get nervous and can't remember what they did or how, even though they've easily explained how to provide help in specific situations. Well, adrenaline does its thing. So, the first thing we should do is call the appropriate emergency services, 112 or 999. After hearing the dispatcher, it's good to know how to proceed. Many of us get tongue-tied and can't articulate what's happening. Therefore:

• you should introduce yourself
• tell what happened and where
• who is the injured person
• what are the consequences of the accident

For example:

"Hello, my name is Jan Kowalski. There was a car accident at 112 Wolności Street in Warsaw involving a cyclist. The injured person is a woman, approximately 30-35 years old, lying in the street, unresponsive. She is not bleeding, but is breathing. Please send an ambulance immediately." It's rare for a dispatcher to hang up. They usually send an ambulance, and in the meantime, they'll help us provide first aid to the injured person. They'll start asking questions: How did the accident happen? Were there any witnesses? These and other questions are intended to help them determine the extent of the damage and provide a general overview of the situation.

Bicycle accident - first aid

If the person is unconscious, we do not shake them to regain consciousness, but rather gently shake their shoulder with our hand and try to establish contact. If we suspect the person may not be breathing, we need to check. There are several ways. The simplest is to place your ear to the mouth to listen for breathing while simultaneously observing for chest movement. If the person is not breathing, we need to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which, if done correctly, will help the injured person until the ambulance arrives. However, it's important to remember that this procedure should be performed by at least two people. Ideally, they should take turns, as it requires a lot of physical effort. Therefore, if you're alone, ask someone for help. If this isn't possible, you must act alone. Currently, proper CPR for adults consists of 30 chest compressions (with both hands at the level of the sternum) followed by two breaths. For children over one year of age, the procedure is the same as for adults. However, for children under one year of age, compressions should be performed with two fingers on the lower half of the sternum. Place the other hand on the child's head to stabilize it. Only then should you begin by giving five breaths, followed by 30 compressions and two breaths.

If the person is breathing and has a clear airway, it's best to position them in the recovery position. This helps maintain a clear airway. When administering first aid, remember to use firm but gentle movements to avoid harming the person. Always, always, always call the appropriate emergency services and ensure there are not too many bystanders around the accident scene. The injured person must have access to fresh air.

Each of us can be a first aid provider, as well as someone who needs help. It's good for each of us to know how to proceed and, most importantly, not to ignore it. Let's remember that our lives and health are paramount. If an accident occurs on a road with heavy traffic, we should first ensure our own safety. Only then should we begin providing aid to the injured. Each of us has a duty to provide aid; remember, let's not ignore the situation! And remember, let's remember to use lighting !