First aid in the event of a fall: How to help properly if you've crashed your bike

"From toddlers on balance bikes to sprightly pensioners on high-end pedelecs, you can meet everyone on cycle paths, forest roads or even the most remote mountain huts," reports Thomas Widerin, police officer, paramedic and keen cyclist from his missions in the rescue helicopter in Tyrol. Cycling in all its variations is booming. No other leisure activity has been able to boast such rising numbers in recent years. Despite all the positive developments, there is unfortunately also a downside, according to Widerin. "The number of people involved in cycling accidents is also rising steadily."

Act with caution and provide first aid in the event of a bicycle accident

To be able to act quickly and correctly in the event of a bike accident, it helps to have a kind of guide in your head. This avoids chaos and hectic at the scene of the accident. And you can provide first aid quickly and, above all, correctly.

Organise helpers

Even if you prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle on cycle paths, in an emergency you'll be glad if you're not alone. "So get someone to help you. And then divide the work. One of the helpers stays with the injured person, the second takes care of securing the accident site," advises Widerin. All you need to do is place someone far enough away from the scene of the accident to warn others early enough. This helper will later also instruct the arriving emergency services. Then get an overview of the accident situation. What has happened? Is there only one cyclist involved or are there several injured people? Take a close look around the scene of the accident. This is particularly important when cycling outside built-up areas or off-road. Only then can an accurate emergency call be made and appropriate first aid measures initiated.

Estimate injuries

It is also possible for untrained first aiders to determine the approximate nature of the injury. On the one hand, this is necessary for the choice of further first aid measures, on the other hand, the rescue coordination centre also needs this information. "As a layperson, you should concentrate on the following: What injury can you recognise yourself and what pain is the injured person complaining of? Approach - look at - touch! Talk to the injured cyclist and ask him where it hurts. You can also touch him carefully. This will make it easier for you to determine where the injured person is in pain," explains Widerin.

Emergency call - but the right way!

The following applies: First clarify the situation at the scene of the accident and the nature of the injury, then make the emergency call! Within the EU, you can reach the local rescue coordination centre via the European emergency number "112". Each country also has its own national emergency number, which you should enquire about before travelling abroad. Inform the dispatcher at the rescue coordination centre about the emergency location, the injured persons and the situation on site. After making the emergency call, initiate first aid measures. If necessary, the control centre will assist with the appropriate steps by telephone. If there is no or only poor mobile network coverage, switch off the mobile phone, switch it on again and dial 112 without entering a PIN. The nearest control centre will then answer.

Moderate injuries: Even the layman can do something!

Serious or life-threatening injuries, where the casualty no longer responds or even no longer breathes normally, must be treated by professional rescuers, often even by an emergency doctor. In addition to specialised knowledge, special equipment and medication are also required. However, minor to moderate injuries can also be treated quite well by a layperson at the scene of the accident. These injuries also require at least minimal first aid. Otherwise, there is a risk that minor injuries will result in serious damage or that the recovery time will be significantly prolonged. "The term first aid is meant literally: the layperson at the scene of the accident only has the task of taking the first absolutely necessary measures. These serve to help the injured person as best as possible with the knowledge and equipment available. Professional teams then take care of the rest," emphasises Thomas Widerin.

A case for the emergency services: If a cyclist is initially unresponsive and unconscious after a fall, professional help must be sought in any case.

After making the emergency call and until the emergency services arrive, check the casualty's breathing and place them in the recovery position.

First aid as simple as possible

A fall on a bike usually results in abrasions, minor or severe bleeding, broken bones and head injuries. As a first aider, you can help the injured person with just a few simple steps. Tip from the professional Widerin: "Don't think too complicated, just act. It's not important to do everything perfectly. Out at the scene of the accident, only the most urgently needed actions count."

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Cycling tours: not without first aid equipment and a checklist

The responsible cycling enthusiast carries at least a minimum of emergency equipment. A Basic package belongs in the saddlebag or handlebar bag. The contents can vary depending on the length and destination of the journey. Emergency checklists are also very helpful. If necessary, these can be used to find the emergency number, the details for making an emergency call or the most important first aid steps. These "little helpers" take up very little space, but can be put to good use at the scene of an accident.

Practical: In the event of an emergency call via an emergency app, such as the SOS EU ALP, location data (GPS coordinates) and contact details (direct telephone number) are automatically transmitted to the relevant rescue coordination centre.

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