NOTICE: This page is written by medical professionals solely for the use of NCC Ride Leaders in case of an emergency.

If in doubt, immediately call 911 for professional assistance.

Accidents and emergencies may occur during any bike ride. Ride leaders should be prepared to take action, such as the steps described below. 

For additional condition-specific guidance, see the following: 

• Concussion protocol and return-to-riding policies
• First aid resources
• Heat exhaustion and bonking

As a leader, some of the initial steps for you to take if there is an accident are:

• Remain calm

• Attend to and assess the condition of the injured rider(s)

• Assign leaders to:

• • Direct traffic around the site

  • Get all cyclists off the road

• Do not overwhelm the injured individual(s)

• Get details of the accident from other riders

If necessary, call 911 and be prepared to:

• Describe the emergency

• Give the proper location (use your cue sheet or cellphone map app)

• Give 911 your cell phone #

• Listen to any instructions by the dispatcher

Quick assessment:

• Assess for any visible bleeding/bumps without moving the injured rider

• Ask the rider: “Do you have any pain and where?”

• Ask the rider: “Where are you?”, “What is your name?”, and “What month is it?”

• Hold up two fingers and ask “How many fingers am I holding up?”

If the injured rider has pain, assess further and evaluate the need for an ambulance. If the injured rider is unable to answer any of the above questions correctly, 911 should be called immediately. Always err on the side of caution; do not let the rider determine if help is to be called.

If emergency help is summoned, the rider is not to be moved at all and should be encouraged to stay still until help arrives. Under no circumstances should the rider’s helmet be removed or should they be given food, drink, or painkillers.

If it is determined that the rider is to be taken to the hospital, give the person who is accompanying them the rider’s emergency contact information and have that person get in touch with the emergency contact person once the location of the hospital is known. Also, have that person give you any details that they obtain at the hospital so that you can complete an accident report and inform the group of the situation.

IMPORTANT: If someone on your ride needs to take an ambulance to a hospital, one of the leaders should either go with them or ensure that another responsible rider goes with them in the ambulance unless it can be determined that the injured person’s family will meet them at the hospital. 

In the case of a serious injury, someone should accompany the rider to the hospital even if one of the family members says that they will come to the hospital. The person going to the hospital with the injured person will be the injured person’s “patient advocate.” The patient advocate should stay at the hospital until the logistics are taken care of. 

It is also the leader’s responsibility to ensure that the injured person’s bicycle is taken to a safe location. Many times the police will be able to take the bicycle to the police station where it can be picked up later, or the leader can ask a neighbor to hold onto it. 

The bike of the patient advocate must also be taken care of. The leader and patient advocate must also figure out a way to get the patient advocate and their bike home. Given all these responsibilities, having a co-ride leader is highly recommended.

Concussion protocol and return-to-riding policies

The NCC is committed to maintaining the health of our riders and believes that an athlete’s health is more important than participating in the sport of cycling. 

We recognize the increased awareness of concussions and their long-term effects; NCC therefore enacts this policy as a tool to 1) help manage concussed and possibly- concussed athletes, and 2) preserve the health of its members.

Scope
This policy applies to all NCC athletes, coaches, officials, and members.

Procedure
During all cycling events, competitions, group rides, and practices sanctioned by NCC, participants (which include coaches, athletes, officials, and other members) will use their best efforts to:

• Falls

• Accidents

• Collisions

• Head trauma

• Nausea

• Poor concentration

• Amnesia

• Fatigue

• Sensitivity to light or noise

• Irritability

• Poor appetite

• Decreased memory

3. Identify athletes or other individuals who have been involved in any of the above incidents and/or exhibit any of the above symptoms.

4. Riders who have been involved in an incident that may cause a concussion and who may exhibit symptoms of a concussion shall be identified and removed from the cycling activity.

5. Following the rider being removed from the cycling activity, the event official, coach, or ride leader should:

• Call 911 (if the situation appears serious)

• Notify the rider’s emergency contact

• Have a ride home for the rider arranged

• Isolate the rider into a dark room or area if possible

• Reduce external stimulus (noise, other people, etc)

• Remain with the rider until he or she can be taken home or by ambulance 

Return to cycling
Once the rider’s immediate needs have been met, the rider should only return to cycling activity by following the steps outlined below and as directed by a physician. 

Medical clearance
This policy requires the athlete to consult with a physician throughout this process. The NCC will comply with all directions provided by the physician which may supersede this policy.

First aid resources

Accidents may occur when riding. Below are some basic first aid protocols in the event of an accident.

Step 1: Control bleeding

• Apply direct pressure to control bleeding. Wear gloves or use other protection to avoid contact with the injured rider’s blood.

• Wash a minor surface injury with soap and water after the bleeding stops or is reduced.

• Cover the wound with a clean dressing and bandage.

Step 2: Apply ice to bumps and bruises

• Place a cold pack or ice on the injury to reduce swelling and pain. Placing a cloth between the injury and the ice pack helps prevent tissue damage from severe cold.

Step 3: Observe the victim

• Watch for vomiting or changes in mood or alertness. If you notice changes, call for medical help. Signs of concussion may not appear for up to 48 hours.

• Tell the person’s emergency contact about the injury so they can continue to observe the victim.