First Aid & Safety

Clear steps, quick links and essential references for incidents on the trail.

Emergency quick links

Emergency calls – printable Incident report (Cycling UK)

Immediate actions

  1. Stop the group safely. Make scene safe; warn other riders.
  2. Primary survey: response, airway, breathing, bleeding. Treat life‑threats first.
  3. Call 999 / 112 if needed. Give location (see tools). Appoint a caller & marshaller.
  4. Keep the rider warm & reassured. Use foil blanket, extra layers.
  5. Record details for the incident report: time, place, witnesses, treatment.

Location tools

  • what3words – 3‑word location to share with emergency services.
  • OS Locate – UK grid reference & lat/long.
  • Phone GPS – pin the spot and share live location with a leader.

First aid references

British Red Cross – First Aid

Clear how‑tos for common cycling injuries (bleeding, breaks, shock).

St John Ambulance – Advice

Step‑by‑step advice and videos for assessment and treatment.

NHS – When to call 999

Check when to escalate and what info to provide.

Emergency call script (PDF)

Printable crib sheet for calling emergency services on the trail.

Ride leader duties

Includes pre‑ride checks, on‑ride etiquette and incident management.

Incident report form

Complete as soon as practical after any incident.

Club first‑aid & rider kit (suggested)

  • Gloves, cleansing wipes, plasters, steri‑strips, gauze & bandage, tape.
  • Foil blanket, triangle bandage/sling, eye wash, antiseptic cream, CPR mask.
  • Pain relief (per packaging), blister pads, antihistamine, electrolyte tabs.
  • Leader phone with battery, paper & pen; riders carry ICE info on phone.

Notes

Leaders are not medical professionals. Use common sense, keep the rider safe, and hand over to emergency services when they arrive.

For minor incidents, ensure the rider can get home safely and inform the committee.