The sun is shining, it's a glorious Sunday afternoon, the perfect day for a ride. You pack your things, don your leathers and get on the bike, heading for your favourite country road, calm, quiet and beautiful.

Cruising along with a fellow rider you come to a bend in the road. When you're exhilarated by the rush of fresh air you hardly notice it happen. All of sudden your friend has slipped on a patch of diesel and the bike has slid across the road dragging him under it. In situations like these you need to know two things: how to get help and, how to care for your friend with the equipment at hand.

The situation just described is hypothetical, but as statistics by the Road and Traffic Authority of NSW show that there are about 2,200 crashes in NSW involving motorcyclists, it could happen to anyone and it clearly demonstrates the importance of first aid.

First aid my not be on your list of priorities when you are preparing for a ride. Leathers, helmets and roadmaps are obviously the things that come to mind when you think of rider safety, and that makes sense because they are there, right in front of you. But, there is so much more to safety than the equipment you carry, just ask anyone who has been in an accident.

Having the confidence and competence to help someone out when they are injured or ill takes skill and practice. But this is much easier after you've done a first aid course which gives you the opportunity to prepare for these situations.

One course that gives riders these skills and practice is the St John NSW Motorcyclist First Aid Course which was developed in response to requests from several Australian motorcycle clubs.

“St John's motorcyclist course teaches riders the first aid skills they need to know to treat motorcycle injuries,” said Mr Guy Stanford, Chairman Motorcycle Council of NSW.

Statistics show that 90% of reported motorcycle accidents result in death or injury therefore the first aid that riders need to know is a lot more specialized and serious than in your typical first aid course. The St John course focuses on the skills need to treat the most common and life-threatening injuries sustained in high velocity motorcycle accidents. These include: management of the unconscious rider, management of head, neck and back injury, bleeding control and burn management, as well as resuscitation and the management of common potentially life threatening illness such as asthma and chest pain. Features of the course are the practical examples of when and how to remove helmets and how to treat riders wearing leathers.

“St John's motorcyclist course is a great initiative to help save lives on Australian roads. We want all of our members to do this course before riding with us,” said Lindy Adam, Harley Davidson Owners Group.

The St John Motorcycle and Motorcycle Excursion first aid kits have been designed especially for both short and long riding tours and are available at St John offices around NSW.

Call 1300 360 455 for details.