Basic first aid training is important part of cycling

Many cyclists spend hours training to get fitter to complete a century ride – 100 miles in 12 hours – and practising new skills to be able to take on harder trails.

But one area many neglect is training to prepare them in the event of an emergency.

Cycling, like many fast-paced sports, can unfortunately result in accidents.

Luckily the results of the vast majority of these are wounded pride at the least and a few scrapes and bruises at the most.

However, on occasion they can result in more serious injury and for those it is important to be prepared.

In fact I would go as far as to say if you regularly ride with others then you have a responsibility to know how to react, treat and manage an incident resulting in injuries to your fellow riders.

Such incidents can often happen in remote locations so knowing how to react appropriately can be vital to the well-being of your cycling companions.

As part of my job I need to be trained in first aid and I have had to use it on many occasions from treating minor issues such as road-rash (loss of skin from sliding along tarmac) to broken bones, dislocations and serious concussions.

When we go out for a ride we always make sure we have something to fix a puncture and inflate a tyre and we usually have food with us too, but how often do we carry a first aid kit?

On a mountain bike ride I always have a fully stocked first aid kit with me.

I also take one when I am guiding clients too, but generally I don’t carry one when I am out on a road ride myself or with friends.

That’s not to say I don’t need one but I find I can get by without one.

When occasions have occurred that I needed to support someone with first aid I have been able to get a kit from somewhere else, or have been able to improvise until medical assistance has been called.

On rare occasions, being able to provide CPR or stem bleeding can be the decisive factor that stabilises someone until an ambulance and other medical help to arrive.

More often than not the provision of first aid is given to make someone more comfortable until they can be taken to hospital.

There are many organisations that provide first aid training courses of varying duration and specific to differing situations, including outdoor activities.

One of the great things about the qualification is that I know I can use it in other areas if needed and not just when I’m cycling.

Hopefully, once qualified you will never need to put your learning into practice but it is better to be prepared.

I feel much better going out for a ride with friends in the knowledge that I am holding a first aid qualification – and I am sure they feel the same about me.