What to do when you have an emergency?
Accidents happen. Here is what to do when they do happen.
- Someone takes charge and instructs others
- Reassure and attend to the victim(s)
- Determine severity of the injury
- Decide whether to call ambulance
- Avoid moving the victim
- Secure the scene – Make sure that other traffic is warned to slow down
- If you need to call an Ambulance: Before you call an ambulance. Determine your location! Street address, landmark
- and details are important
- Dial 112 – remain calm!
- Ask for ambulance
- You will be re-directed to the ambulance dispatch
- Explain your location – this is crucial to prompt dispatch as they will dispatch from the closest dispatch location.
- Explain nature of accident
- Cycling accident
- Number of cyclists involved
- Nature of the injury
- Victim(s) conscious? Did they lose consciousness at any point?
- Any other information
- Age victim
- Gender victim
- Do not call anyone using the same phone until the ambulance arrives – if the ambulance cannot find the location they will call you back
- Watch for the ambulance and direct the paramedics to the scene if necessary.
- Stand back and let the paramedics do their job – follow their instructions and answer their questions.
- If possible ask which hospital they are transporting the victim to.
- Get the contact details of any witnesses or other party(s) involved in the crash. This is important for insurance claims.
- If the crash involves a motor vehicle (car, scooter, tractor etc), call the police. This will save a lot o hassle later.

Remember:
- Always keep a charged mobile phone with you.
- Always carry ID and also your insurance card. Better still carry a small card with emergency contact details
- Make sure that the victim’s bike is secured. If possible call a friend to come and pick up the bike. If this is not possible then find someone trustworthy to hold onto the bike – a store, farmer etc.