First Aid Training: The Heroes Of Cycling Events

First Aid Training for officiants in recreational sports is crucial to a safe and successful event. Although some recreational sports seem safer than others - doctors, nurses and ER responders urge more caution for organised events. One of these dangerous sports events that require vigilance is cycling races.

Cyclists face many hazards on the open road, including sunstroke, head injuries, knee pain, sprains, speeding vehicles and weather conditions - amongst many others. First aid is necessary to treat any of these injuries that might occur in cycling events. EMCARE is a leading training centre that offers first aid training in basic and all hierarchical levels of first aid. In this article, we will discuss the dangers of cycling and how EMCARE's first aid courses are valuable for officiants in races.

The Dangers Of Open-Road Cycling

On a global scale, South Africa has one of the highest fatality rates on the road, with 44 per 100,000 fatalities occurring annually. Driving on South African roads already poses risks due to crime, potholes, negligent drivers, and drunk drivers. Since cyclists have less protection than cars offer, their fatality rates are significantly higher.

In 2023 an emphasis was placed on recent cyclist road deaths and injuries after the passing of Veven Naidoo, who was hit by a vehicle on the M4 in KwaZulu-Natal. Cycling clubs were urged to warn their riders of safety on the road. However, there have also been significant tragedies outside of cycling clubs, but rather with cycling events themselves.

Another cyclist partaking in a race the same year in Gauteng had to be flown by helicopter to a specialised trauma unit after being hit by a motorist. Medics assessed the scene and found the patient in critical condition. The cyclist survived but many have not been so fortunate. Jeanne Nell, a cyclist who crashed during a keirin cycling race in Cape Town, died in hospital after suffering from head injuries.

Not long before this tragic death, Burry Stander - a South African Olympic mountain biker - was also killed in a collision during training. There has been an increase in accidents like these since 2015, and it is imperative that first aid training is done to protect cyclists. Here are just a few of the external factors and potential injuries that first aid can help with in protecting the cycling community.

1. Weather Conditions:
   
   The climate of South Africa is known to be hot and dry, and heat waves are often expected. In 2023 it was recorded that South Africa is experiencing the hottest weather conditions we have ever had in summer. November broke heat records, with some heatwaves lasting as long as 10 days throughout the country. This poses potential risks for cyclists as they can experience heat exhaustion, heatstroke and in extreme cases even second-degree burns.
   
   Officials need to be equipped to know the difference between the three and recognize the appropriate response. Taking action is crucial, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and headaches are just some of the symptom�s cyclists can experience. Applying first aid quickly and having the necessary equipment, can help keep cyclists safe on the road and less likely to be admitted into hospital for dehydration and extensive sunburns.
   
   
2. Sprains and Broken Bones:
   
   In the case that a cyclist crashes, or takes a fall, sprains and broken bones are amongst the most predicted injuries. Anything from your hands to your feet can be injured from a crash. The good news is that first aid training can prevent injuries from getting worse.
   
   
   • In first aid level one training you learn how to deal with fractures.
     
     
   • In level two you learn about joint injuries. You also learn about elementary and applied anatomy and physiology.
     
     
   • In level three first aid you learn more extensive skills on emergency protocols and broken bones. Good training fully equips you to care for cyclists' minor injuries and aid with major ones until medical personnel can get on the scene if needed.
     
     
3. Head and Neck Injuries:
   
   The most dangerous injuries for cyclists are potential neck and head injuries. This is the most common form of death and why in many countries it is illegal to cycle without a helmet - including South Africa. A law was passed in 2004 which makes wearing helmets compulsory. Having first aid training can make the difference between life and death in the event that helmets are not enough to protect the cyclist on the open road. Every level of first aid training offers something that can aid in the aftermath of these injuries:
   
   
   • In level one first aid you learn about head and spinal injuries.
     
     
   • In level two you are equipped with a more in-depth knowledge of injury management.
     
     
   • In level three first aid you learn more practical demonstrations and exercises on how to deal with emergencies. EMCARE offers all of these first aid training options which expands on these and many other skill sets.
     
     

EMCARE's First Aid Training

Making sure that your cycling club and event racing organisers are equipped with first aid is an invaluable and life-saving practice. EMCARE is a specialised Health and Safety training company that has been operating in South Africa for over 26 years.

We offer training on these invaluable skills in all major cities in South Africa. All our instructors are experienced with over 1000 hours in the field. Additionally, our first aid training courses are not only in legal compliance with all relevant South African bodies, but you walk away with a certificate that is valid for 3-years in South Africa.

If you are interested in our courses you can view our website for more in-depth summaries on what each level of first aid training teaches, or you can reach out to us! We are more than happy to answer any questions and get you started on your first aid training journey.