Saving bikers' lives is on the cards

 

* The launch of the CRASH card scheme.

 

A new scheme aimed at saving the lives of bikers just launched across Wales will be of interest in Llangollen which attracts a large number of motorcyclists throughout the year.

 

The billingial CRASH Card holds personal details such as allergies and medical history which could prove vital knowledge for attending ambulance crews and hospital staff.

Launched in partnership with the Welsh Ambulance Service, the North Wales Motorcycle Alliance and North Wales Police, the CRASH card could save valuable time and help with treatment especially if the rider is either unconscious or unable to communicate.

Welsh Ambulance Service Medical Director, Dr Paul Hughes, said “The CRASH cards will provide our staff with vital clinical information to improve the care we can provide for motorcyclists across North Wales. It’s important to remember that removing a motorcyclist’s helmet after an accident is a specialist task which should only be performed by ambulance crews or other trained personnel.”

Emergency responders are alerted to the card’s existence by a green dot which is placed on the right hand corner of the visor or helmet.

The card also has a mnemonic “CRASH” which gives helpful advice for the rider if they themselves come across a road traffic collision.

“Such a simple thing as carrying the CRASH card could well enable us as a service to make more informed decisions regarding the treatment needed to a motorcycle collision or incident,” added Dr Hughes.

The CRASH card scheme is established in several areas in England, and is now being introduced in Wales for the first time.

President of the North Wales Motorcycle Alliance, Bill Brereton said: “We’re pleased to be able to introduce the CRASH card in Wales. It has been successfully introduced in parts of England and with the amount of motorcyclists in and visiting Wales it makes sense for this basic addition to be made available for a motorcyclists’ kit.

“Of course we’d be quite happy if the CRASH card never had to be used, but collisions do happen and if the information can help save someone’s life then it will be well worth the effort.”

“We would like to thank Conwy Motorcycle Club, North Wales Advanced Motorcyclists, Lara Bimble, the Welsh Ambulance Service and Ambulance Motorcycle Club for their support.”

Paul Cheshire, Bikesafe Coordinator for North Wales Police added: “Bikesafe are pleased to support this development. It is yet another good example of partnership working and we hope that many riders will take advantage of this opportunity.”