St John Ambulance has launched a new free first aid app for cyclists, following research that shows they are nine times more likely to stop and help fellow cyclists than other road users in an accident.
Download the app for iPhone here
With three million people now cycling three times a week or more, the app has been created to ensure cyclists are equipped with the essential skills to help others in an emergency.
St John Ambulance research found that on average, cyclists took the least amount of time to come to a cyclist’s aid, just 1 minute and 28 seconds compared to pedestrians’ 1 minute and 51 seconds. Overall cyclists have the shortest response time and respond at least three times quicker than motorists.
Just last week the Department for Transport announced a rise in the number of all cycling casualties, up 2% from 2012, with a 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 really make the difference.
The First Aid for Cyclists app aims to provide cyclists with this basic first aid knowedge. It includes first aid techniques for cyclists – such as what to do to make a scene safe on the road, tips on how to improvise with bike clothing and equipment, and easy to navigate options for dealing with common cycling injuries.
The app can be used by cyclists at the scene of an emergency, or for cyclists to read and learn from in the comfort of their home and is available on the App store now, just search for “First Aid for cyclists”.
St John Ambulance is also partnering with have bike , the UK’s premier on-site bicycle maintenance provider, for a cycling clinic at City Hall on 30 July offering first aid training on the ground. The Cycle Response Unit will also be providing first aid advice at events throughout London over the summer.
Also worth a read:
How to : Basic first aid for cyclists
