Who's been a lucky boy then?

[Skunk]

Could you elaborate a bit mate - when? how?

When: if you can't check the breathing etc. Apparently it's quite hard to do damage to the neck if it isn't already damaged (imagine that!), but if it is by supporting the head you (and one other) can safety remove the helmet to check breathing, airway etc.

NOTE: Find out how to do this! If there is a neck injury and you remove the helmet you can make minor turn into serious.

The point was if bystanders are too scared to remove the helmet they may miss the fact that the rider is not breathing or has choked on their tongue.

[Slim]

... or has choked on their tongue.

Which makes pointing out that it's actually impossible to swallow your tongue, and therefore choke on it, fairly appropriate.

However, airways can be blocked by the tongue falling backwards, if the neck is in the wrong position. Probably the most interesting thing I learnt on the free 1st Aid Course my work offered, and I wisely accepted. Sniper - DO IT next time they offer, or better yet, tell your manager you're interested now to take it next time it's offered or if there are enough people to send on one. Plant the seed ...


Marty - I'd forgotten it was a customer bike. I didn't go anywhere near the scene until after they'd taken him away - too scared to discover a friend on the ground. Went down & checked out the bike though. Turns out a friend of our family knows him & used to work with him. I think my Mum knows about every 3rd person in Hamilton.