Vicki Sanfelipo RN/EMT founder Accident Scene Management Inc founded 1996
Cat Hammes RN.ASMI Instructor, MC crash survivor
Vicki and Cat bring a wealth of Motorcycle safety knowledge with the emphasis on riders taking care of each other.
Newly formed Accident Scene Management Australia ( not for profit company) is proud to be hosting "the biker angels." ASMA, Executive director, Phil Lemin, first learnt of their courses in June 2010 whilst in the USA. As a paramedic and motorcyclist, Phil was so impressed that he was determined to bring these valuable courses to Australia for the betterment of the motorcycling community.
Phil's determination and commitment saw him return to the USA in October, to become a lead instructor and to finalize negotiations. Months of planning and a trial first Australian course, have seen positive reviews of the importance of these courses in achieving bystander assistance at motorcycle accidents.
Vicki Sanfelipo, Nurse, Lady rider, founder and executive director of Accident Scene Management, will be accompanied by Cat Hammes, RN, motorcycle crash survivor to promote the Bystander Assistance programme that Accident Scene Management Inc (USA) has developed over 16yrs. Vicki developed the courses when she realised her nursing training was insufficient to cover what to do at a motorcycle accident, after her riding buddies said "we have you to look after us if we have an accident",she went away and asked all the right questions on Motorcycle trauma. Vicki thought it was great to have all this knowledge, but then it dawned on her, "Who will look after me." It was then realised the more Motorcyclists that do this course, then we are all better off. Motorcyclists are usually first on the scene of Motorcycle Accidents and we tend to ride in remoter areas away from prompt emergency response.
Cat Hammes, was involved in a motorcycle crash, she had two skull fractures, was unconscious, 5 fractured cervical veterbrae, a collapsed lung and had lost her left leg below the knee. Two men, one on a motorcycle pulled up and by using what they had learned in an ASMI course took control of the situation and cared for Cat until emergency services arrived. Cat's treating doctors believe that if these men had not taken charge of the situation and treated Cat as they had been trained, she would be dead today.!
Cat no longer works as a nurse but she is now an ASMI instructor. Vicki in association with Phil Lemin ( Victoria, former emergency paramedic of 29 yrs., motorcycle trainer and enthusiast) have formed Accident Scene Management Australia ( a not for profit company). ASMA will coordinate the training and the availability of this course to all motorcyclists around Australia and New Zealand. Vicki,Cat and Phil will be training new instructors whilst Vicki and Cat are here, so the programme is more accessible throughout Australia and New Zealand
The Bystander Assistance programme is designed to empower Motorcyclists to take charge of an accident scene until emergency services arrive and train riders in the area of the specifics of Motorcycle trauma that aren't taught in standard first aid classes. Phil was impressed by the practicality of the course. Riders are taught to think further than what they first see in their assessment of fallen riders The management of the scene also includes traffic control, visibility, emergency service access and evidence preservation.
A properly managed site prevents injuries to those assisting and reduces further injuries to the injured and as Phil knows, allows emergency services to attend to their specific tasks quicker as the scene has already been made safe.
There are a number of courses available starting with " a crash course for the motorcyclist" through to "professional classes for emergency responders" Vicki and Cat bring a wealth of Motorcycle safety knowledge with the emphasis on riders taking care of each other.
Over 17000 students have done this course and all realise the more riders that do this course the better off all riders are, if things "get out of shape."
Vicki, Cat and Phil's Schedule
Arrive Melbourne Thursday May 5th.
MEDIA interviews: Friday May 6th 10 am -1pm At Victory Motorcycles, 544 Elizabeth St, Melbourne
Saturday and Sunday, May 7th and 8th, Training of instructors and a group of invited members of the motorcycle and road safety committees Venue: Travel Inn, Gratton St Melbourne
Friday, May 13th, Introduction to the Bystander Assistance programme for Road Safety and Government bodies and media Venue: Travel Inn, Gratton St Melbourne.
Saturday May 14th International Womens Ride. TBA
Saturday, May 14, 7.30 PM Bikers Ball, Nagambie, Vicki and Cat, "Guest speakers," Barry "knacker" Ball, Mc. Black Hill Ramblers band, prizes and raffles.
Saturday, May 14th Advanced instructor training with invited general public Nagambie
Heard about the " first on scene accident course " sounds good.
Any chance of seeing this in Sydney?
