Persons involved in motorcycle accidents oftentimes receive serious injuries not only from the impact of the crash but also from the aftercare procedure administered by onlookers present at the time of the accident.

The incidence of road fatalities in Jamaica is cause for concern after the country recorded a total of 488 road fatalities last year. According to statistics from the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), 141 motorcyclists and 16 pedal cyclists died on roads island-wide last year.

The Road Traffic Regulations prohibit motorcyclists from riding a motorcycle without wearing proper protective gear such as helmets and high visibility safety vests.

The lack of proper protective gear such as helmets, jackets and gloves, knee shin guards and others are major contributors to motorcycle fatalities.

The removal of a motorcyclist helmet

A helmet should only be removed if it obstructs the victims breathing, if the individual is vomiting or if there are severe head injuries. It is recommended to leave the helmet on until the motorcyclist regains consciousness and can remove the helmet.

An open-face helmet can be unfastened through the chinstrap, if necessary. It is important to force the sides apart and then lift the helmet upwards and backwards to limit the pressure on the victim’s head.

A full-face helmet will require two people to safely remove without causing harm to the motorcyclist.

Firstly, tilt the helmet back and gently lift the helmet until it is clear to the chin. Secondly, tilt the helmet forward to pass over the base of the skull, then lift it straight off.

• Ensure that there is no further danger to the motorcyclist
• If the motorcyclist is unconscious, open the airway of the helmet, check for breathing and complete the Airway, Breathing and Circulation of resuscitation if required and place the casualty in the recovery position
• Speak to the motorcyclist throughout the process and reassure them to lessen anxiety
• Politely ask onlookers to leave to prevent crowding because this may cause the motorist to be embarrassed or increase their anxiety
• Do not put anything into the motorcyclist’s mouth who is unconscious and may need urgent medical treatment
• If necessary, arrange for urgent removal to the hospital