Long-Ride Essentials

LONG-RIDE ESSENTIALS

UP FRONT

EDITOR'S LETTER

THE MEDICAL QUESTION

My idea of essential gear on longer motorcycle rides has changed quite a bit over the years. There was a time when I'd wear an open-face helmet and sunglasses for a 500-mile day, that I wouldn't take a sleeping bag to camp overnight in mild weather (sleep in the Aerostich, right?) and that I didn't carry stuff to fix a flat. All that has changed as I've gained experiences in life, good and bad.

It was the recent very bad experience of journalist Kevin Ash's death on the BMW R1200GS press launch in South Africa that caused me to reassess yet again what I feel is a necessity on longer rides, especially when traveling in a group: Medical gear.

In April's Up Front, I mentioned I was putting together a first-aid kit to carry with me on rides. The reaction to the column was quite strong and generated a large number of inquiries asking what I would put in that kit.

So, both right here and for our reborn annual Travel & Adventure magazine (see p. 30), I made a list based on my experience as a volunteer firefighter/EMT and motorcycle rider who's treated people on the road and trail. It's not meant to be comprehensive, but does represent a good collection of easy-to-pack, practical items that can make finishing a ride possible after treating minor injuries, or dealing with more dire situations. Because you don't have to be in Alaska or a South American jungle to be hours from professional medical aid and emergency transport.

So, no matter where you ride, be prepared for medical emergencies. The three most important tools weigh nothing and take no luggage space: fitness, situational awareness and training. Strength, agility and endurance can mean the difference between being down for the count and able to respond in a stressful environment. Situational awareness is knowing when to admit you're actually in dire straits and how to keep the scene safe. Basic first-aid/CPR training should be your minimum standard, but EMT certification is even better.

On the supplies and equipment front, I use a dedicated kit bag (bright red with a cross on it) or you can pack it all in a heavy, clear Ziploc-type bag that is easily accessible by you or others.

Avoid buying a first-aid kit at the drug store. They're typically low quality and don't have the inventory you'll want. It is far better to assemble your own kit because you can buy better quality items and will know exactly what is in the kit and why.

The essentials: 1. Four size-Large nonlatex gloves; 2. Blunt-nose scissors to cut clothing/bandages (get the best you can afford—they need to work); 3. Tweezers; 4. Sterile gauze pads (4x4 in.); 5.

Roller bandage (3-in.-wide elastic/4-in.-wide stretchy gauze); 6. Antiseptic wipe packets/ Neosporin; 7. Adhesive cloth or plastic tape; 8. Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes); 9. Surgical/compress dressing (big, absorbent, cuttable); 10. Tongue depressors (finger splints!); 11. CPR barrier (look for an Ambu Res-Cue Key CPR Mask); 12. Tourniquet.

The last item may sound somewhat extreme, but if you are out there and face trying to control a serious bleeding situation for which other methods have failed, a tourniquet may be the one thing that saves a life. Again, get training so you understand how and when serious interventions may be necessary.

There are many more items you can add (ice packs and an emergency blanket aren't bad), but pack based on available space. Oh, and don't put this together and forget about it. Check the contents occasionally to make sure all is in good order. We do weekly checkouts at the fire department for good reason.

Now, encourage your riding partners to do all this, too, in case it is you on the ground. Above all, ride safely!

MARK HOYER

THIS MONTH'S STATS

3

OPEN FRACTURES IVE TREATED ON ROAD AND TRAIL

4

CONCUSSIONS I'VE WITNESSED OCCUR (INCLUDING MY OWN!)

96

NUMBER OF BAND-AIDS TYPICALLY INCLUDED IN A STORE-BOUGHT 1OO-PIECEh FIRST-AID KIT...