We all run the risk of accident, simply via statistical probability. Whether yourself or a fellow rider, acting quickly in the event is vital, seconds can count if someone is seriously injured and it's important to know what action to take.
St John Ambulance has today launched a new free first aid app for cyclists. With three million people now cycling three times a week or more[1], they have created the app to ensure cyclists are equipped with the essential skills to help others in an emergency.
This comes on the day
the Department for Transport[2]
announces a rise in the number of all cycling casualties, up 2% from 2012, in
comparison to the falling number of injuries/fatalities
for all other road user types. The highest increase in casualties is amongst
adults aged 18-59 years reporting a 5% rise. Overall killed and seriously
injured figures have come down (by 10%) but slightly injured figures have risen
by 3%, and this is where first aid can be the difference.
The app was created using the expertise of the charity’s medically trained staff and SJA’s Cycle Response Unit, their team of highly trained first aid volunteers who use specially equipped mountain bikes, and can be first at the scene of an accident.
To put some context around it, St John Ambulance have provided some statistics below: -
Figures on
cycling accidents[3]
·
Around
75% of fatal or serious cyclist accidents occur in urban areas
·
Around
half of cyclist fatalities occur on rural roads
·
75%
happen at, or near, a road junction
·
80%
occur in daylight
·
80% of cyclist casualties are male
·
Almost one quarter of the cyclists killed or injured are children
·
Around three quarters of cyclists killed have major head injuries.
With the data being in the form of an app, it's easy to access and provides plain, easy to understand instructions for you to follow, I'#d recommend you download it. For further
information visit www.sja.org.uk/cycling.
The app was created using the expertise of the charity’s medically trained staff and SJA’s Cycle Response Unit, their team of highly trained first aid volunteers who use specially equipped mountain bikes, and can be first at the scene of an accident.
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