The sun is shining, it’s a glorious, 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 crashed 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 crash statistics show, 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. But, there is 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. The St John NSW Motorcyclist First Aid Course prepares you for these situations.

The St John course focuses on skills needed 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.

Call 1300 360 455 for details.