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Richmond Advertising Agency Employee Aided by Rider Alert Card after Horrific Motorcycle Crash |
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 Cindy Hicks, a senior art producer for The Martin Agency, is home for the holidays this Christmas in part because of the Rider Alert program that was launched in Richmond last spring. The program, designed to help save lives, provides free identification data cards to motorcyclists in order to help first responders provide rapid and accurate medical assistance if the rider is in a serious accident. When Cindy Hicks heard about this program from her friend, Ken Crumpler of the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services, she thought it was a great idea. She even accompanied Crumpler to Durham, North Carolina in early September to photograph the launch the Rider Alert program down there. Shortly thereafter, on September 17, 2011, Hicks crashed near the Semmes Avenue exit on Richmond’s Manchester Bridge. Speculation is that she was cut off by a car and lost control of her motorcycle, but she has no memory of the incident.
“I was supposedly thrown 20 to 30 feet in the air after hitting the curb,” said Hicks. “I broke eight ribs, my collar bone and shoulder blade. I also lacerated my kidney, aorta and a lung and suffered a severe concussion. Needless to say, I’m very lucky to be alive. The Richmond Ambulance Authority medics that arrived on the scene immediately recognized the Rider Alert sticker on my helmet and were able to use the information I had put on the card inside to help with my treatment and, I’m told, the MCV medical team found this information very helpful as well. ”
Hicks spent a week in MCV’s severe trauma intensive care unit and was out of work on short-term disability for three months as she recovered from the crash. As for the importance of the Rider Alert program, she had this to say.
“You know, those of us who ride motorcycles have a great sense of control. We think we will be able to take care of everything and that nothing bad will ever happen to us. It’s always someone else,” said Hicks. “The truth is, it can happen to anyone, just as it did to me, and the Rider Alert card was there when I needed it to be. It contained my name, my doctor’s name, my emergency contact information and my blood type – a lot of critical information that medics would not have found in my wallet. I highly encourage all motorcyclists to make sure they have a card like Rider Alert in their helmet every time they hit the road.”
 The Rider Alert cards are free and available through many distribution locations throughout the state of Virginia (for a list of locations see www.rideralert.org). Once filled out, the Rider Alert card is placed inside the rider’s helmet and a one-inch, round sticker is placed on the outside of the helmet to alert emergency responders to the information card inside. The sticker also warns bystanders not to remove the helmet, which could prevent further injury. Helmet removal is a two-person effort to be done by trained medical personnel only.
Rob Lawrence, Richmond Ambulance Authority’s chief operating officer, was instrumental in bringing the Rider Alert program to the United States along with partners Bon Secours Virginia Health System and Motorcycle Virginia. RAA based the idea of the Rider Alert cards on a program called CRASH Card, which was developed in the United Kingdom several years ago and, like the U.S. program, it continues to spread rapidly. Thus far, 125,000 cards have been printed in the United States and almost half a million worldwide.
“To know that the card is now having a positive impact for riders in distress makes all of the effort behind the Rider Alert program worthwhile. It means that the program is truly working,” said Lawrence. “Cindy Hick’s story is one of several in Virginia, and many throughout the world, that affirms the importance of the Rider Alert and CRASH Card programs.”
As for Hicks, she says she will continue to enjoy motorcycle-related events but at her daughter’s request, she will travel to those in a car from now on. No more motorcycles. She is just happy (and extremely grateful!) to be here for the holidays.
Rider Alert
Rider Alert is based on (and affiliated to) a program called CRASH Card, which was developed in the United Kingdom two years ago by the Ambulance Motorcycle Club. Since its creation, more than 325,000 CRASH Cards have been distributed to riders in Europe. The Rider Alert card program is the first of its kind in the United States and since its launch in Richmond, more than 125000 cards have been distributed in the U.S. Rider Alert is expanding across the US, with New York being the second state to launch the program. The Virginia Rider Alert Team have also distributed cards via local sponsors and public safety agencies in West Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina. The Rider Alert Team are also working with the Blue Knights of Australia (Police motorcycle club) to promote the program down under.
The Rider Alert sponsors encourage all motorcycle riders to get their own Rider Alert card, fill it out and put it under the lining of their helmet. Then, peel off the one-inch round sticker and secure it to the right side of their helmet or helmet visor. Each card is produced in a special waterproof paper that can be written on with a ballpoint pen, and should be able to withstand the environment inside a rider’s helmet.
For more information, visit www.RiderAlert.org.
Visit Rider Alert on Facebook and You Tube |
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RAA's 20th Anniversary Celebration |
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RAA celebrated its 20th Anniversary on Friday, September 23, 2011 and invited the public to participate in this special occasion during an open house at RAA headquarters from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
“Before the Richmond Ambulance Authority was created 20 years ago, the EMS system in Richmond was in disarray,” said Chip Decker, chief executive officer of the Richmond Ambulance Authority. “There were different ambulance companies operating in the City and service was often poor if the ambulance showed up at all. There was no accountability. Today, Richmond has one of the finest EMS systems in the world, and that is something for all of us to celebrate.”
The 20th Anniversary Open House included a brief formal presentation, with special recognitions from both Governor McDonnell and Richmond City Council. Dr. Joseph McMenamin, founding Board member and former Chairman, served as the keynote speaker and provided an insightful overview of two decades of EMS services to the City of Richmond. There were booths featuring the history of RAA, the history of EMS, and the Rider Alert motorcycle safety initiative that RAA launched in the United States last spring. Bon Secours was on-site providing health screenings, including blood pressure and glucose checks, and the Virginia Department of Health provided information on car seat installations, and Zoll Medical was on hand with demonstrations and a contest for providing proper chest compression CPR. RAA’s bike medic team was showing their expertise with bike demonstrations, while vehicles from RAA, Forest View Volunteer, West End Volunteer, and Bon Secours were on hand for tours and questions. After years of absence, RAA’s mascot ParaBear made an appearance to the delight of adults and kids alike. Kids were also treated to EMS tattoos and coloring sheets.
“Thanks to the creation of the Richmond Ambulance Authority, we have had 20 years of not only reliable, but exceptional pre-hospital healthcare here in Richmond and this is something that so many people throughout the world, and even in this country, don’t have,” continued Decker. “Richmond’s emergency medical system has been transformed and, as a result, many lives have been saved.”
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20th Anniversary Celebration |
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The Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on Friday, September 23, 2011 and invites the public to participate in this special occasion during an open house at RAA headquarters from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. that day.
“Before the Richmond Ambulance Authority was created 20 years ago, the EMS system in Richmond was in disarray,” said Chip Decker, chief executive officer of the Richmond Ambulance Authority. “There were different ambulance companies operating in the City and service was often poor if the ambulance showed up at all. There was no accountability. Today, Richmond has one of the finest EMS systems in the world, and that is something for all of us to celebrate.”
The 20th Anniversary Open House event will include a brief formal presentation followed by activities and entertainment for adults and children alike. There will be numerous booths featuring the history of RAA, the history of EMS, the Rider Alert motorcycle safety initiative that RAA launched in the United States this spring, blood pressure checks, heart attack and stroke symptoms education and first aid demonstrations. RAA will also provide car seat installation demonstrations, bike safety tips and tours of ambulances. There will be face painting and balloons for the children and plenty of refreshments for all.
“Thanks to the creation of the Richmond Ambulance Authority, we have had 20 years of not only reliable, but exceptional pre-hospital healthcare here in Richmond and this is something that so many people throughout the world, and even in this country, don’t have,” continued Decker. “Richmond’s emergency medical system has been transformed and, as a result, many lives have been saved.”
In 1991, the EMS system in Richmond was in such crisis that the Virginia General Assembly, in an emergency measure, created the Richmond Ambulance Authority. Shortly thereafter, the Richmond City Council and city manager granted RAA the rights to provide the EMS service for the City of Richmond. As a result, from that moment on, Richmond has had an EMS system that places the patient first and guarantees its performance to the City's residents. RAA’s emergency response times are among the fastest in the nation with ambulances on the scene of life threatening emergencies in less than 8 minutes and 59 seconds in more than 90% of all responses. This despite the fact that the Richmond Ambulance Authority is one of the busiest EMS systems per capita in the United States, responding to approximately 135 calls per day and transporting, on average, 110 patients per day. RAA is one of only 15 EMS agencies in the United States accredited by both the Commission on the Accreditation of Ambulance Services and the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch. RAA is also a Commonwealth of Virginia Accredited Dispatch Center.
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Nation’s First Rider Alert Cards for Motorcyclists Program |
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Richmond Ambulance Authority, Bon Secours Virginia and Motorcycle Virginia Launch Nation’s First Rider Alert Cards for Motorcyclists Program, Originated in United Kingdom, Could Make a Difference Between Life and Death
April 12, 2011--Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) and Bon Secours Virginia Health System, in partnership with Motorcycle Virginia, Inc., today launched a new program designed to save the lives of injured motorcyclists. The program provides free identification data cards that will help first responders provide rapid and accurate medical assistance to riders involved in accidents.
The data cards, officially known as Rider Alert cards (www.RiderAlert.org), are placed inside riders’ helmets and contain vital, life-saving information, emergency contact and any important medical history. When first responders arrive on the scene of a motorcycle accident, a one-inch, round sticker on the outside of the helmet will indicate that the biker has the Rider Alert card. The sticker also warns bystanders not to remove the helmet, which could prevent further injury.
In developing the Rider Alert card, RAA engaged both bikers and first responders, to determine the most effective way to provide rider emergency contact and medical information.
“Motorcycle accidents and fatalities are on the rise in Virginia,” said Rob Lawrence, chief operating officer of Richmond Ambulance Authority. “This card is born out of experience – it has been designed by paramedics who have been on both sides of an accident as the injured rider or as medical help. Accessing this basic information after a motorcycle accident can sometimes be impossible. This small tool could mean the difference between life and death.”
“We are so pleased to be involved with such an innovative program,” said Toni Ardabell, CEO Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital.” “This truly is a program that can provide critical information, allowing first responders to give injured cyclists the best possible onsite care before transporting them to our emergency departments.”
In 2010, there were 76 motorcycle fatalities and more than 2,191 crashes in the Commonwealth of Virginia, according to preliminary numbers provided by the Virginia Highway Safety Division of the Department of Motor Vehicles. These numbers were up from 71 fatalities and 2,115 crashes in 2009.
RAA based the idea of the Rider Alert cards on a program called CRASH Card, which was developed in the United Kingdom two years ago by the Ambulance Motorcycle Club. Since its creation, more than 325,000 CRASH Cards have been distributed to riders in Europe.
RAA and Motorcycle Virginia began discussing how to bring a similar program to Virginia last year. They teamed up with several organizations, including Bon Secours Virginia Health System, which offered its support, and has helped the project advance through the concept and design stages to its launch. The Rider Alert card program is the first of its kind in the United States.
Rider Alert cards will be available at the Richmond Ambulance Authority, Chesterfield Fire and Rescue station and New Kent County Fire station, as well as through partnerships Motorcycle Virginia has established, including local members of the Virginia Motorcycle Dealers Association.
In addition, the cards can be accessed via the Rider Alert card Web site, www.RiderAlert.org.
“Motorcycle Virginia has strong relationships throughout the state with organizations that are excited about this program and know the safety benefits it will have for riders,” said Steve Witmer, corporate director of Motorcycle VA. “There are more than 100,000 registered motorcycle riders in Virginia, and we will use our resources to get the Rider Alert card into as many of their hands as possible.”
RAA encourages all motorcycle riders to get their own Rider Alert card, fill it out and put it under the lining of their helmet. Then, peel off the one-inch round sticker and secure it to the right side of their helmet or helmet visor. Each card is produced in a special waterproof paper that can be written on with a ballpoint pen, and should be able to withstand the environment inside a rider’s helmet.
Rider Alert cards are free and are provided with an information letter containing details of the program and full instructions where to place the card and where to place the round sticker.
“The potential for this program to go viral is very strong,” said RAA’s Lawrence. “We have already had discussions about the Rider Alert launch with other EMS agencies in the U.S., and the level of enthusiasm has been immense. Fort Worth, Texas looks to be the next market to roll out Rider Alert.”
“Everything is bigger in Texas, and motorcycling is no exception,” said Matt Zavadsky, director of operations of Med Star EMS in Fort Worth, Texas. “A long riding season and high population results in thousands of motorcycle accidents in Fort Worth each year, and we are looking forward to implementing the new national model for motorcycle crash victims developed by the Richmond Ambulance Authority. Once again, RAA has demonstrated its national and international leadership through yet another innovative program that will benefit the entire country.”
In the meantime, the Virginia rollout of Rider Alert continues in Fredericksburg, Va. on Saturday, April 16, where Rider Alert cards will be distributed at the Morton’s BMW spring open house.
 
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Free CPR Training Classes in Richmond on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 |
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The Richmond Ambulance Authority, Virginia Commonwealth University, the Richmond Technical Center, Health Educators, Inc. and Emergency Medical Services, Inc. are offering free cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) classes on Tuesday, June 7, 2011. The classes will be held at the Richmond Technical Center and all who are interested in learning this lifesaving technique are encouraged to attend.
“With just one hour of CPR instruction, you can learn to help save a life. It’s that simple,” said Chip Decker, Chief Executive Officer of the Richmond Ambulance Authority. “CPR is quick and easy to learn and statistics show that a fast and effective bystander response can mean the difference between life and death. This is an important skill to have. You never know when you might need it.”
Anyone in the Richmond area is invited to attend these free, one-hour CPR classes that will be held on Tuesday, June 7, at the Richmond Technical Center located at 2020 Westwood Avenue. Morning classes begin on the hour at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. The afternoon classes are at 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Participants just need to show up. No advance registration is required.
“As always with these classes, our goal is to provide quality CPR training to as many people in the Richmond area as possible,” said Wayne Harbour, Chief Clinical Officer of the Richmond Ambulance Authority. “When performed properly, bystander CPR can keep the cardiac arrest victim’s blood pumping long enough for EMS to arrive and defibrillate, greatly increasing the patient’s chances of survival. Last year we trained 307 people in one day, and we are hoping for an even bigger turnout this year.”
Sudden cardiac arrest is most often caused by an abnormal heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation (VF). Cardiac arrest can also occur after the onset of a heart attack or as a result of electrocution or near drowning.
American Heart Association statistics show that about 80 percent of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in private residential settings, so being trained to perform CPR can mean the difference between life and death for a spouse, child or parent. The data also shows that effective bystander CPR, provided immediately after cardiac arrest, can double a victim’s chance of survival because it helps maintain vital blood flow to the heart and brain and increases the amount of time that an electric shock from a defibrillator can be effective. Brain death starts to occur four to six minutes after someone experiences cardiac arrest if no CPR and defibrillation occurs during that time.
Harbour continued, “What’s an hour of your time when what you learn in one of these classes could help you save a life?”
Free CPR classes set Tuesday at tech center, By From staff, Richmond Times Dispatch, Published: June 06, 2011 |
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