Ride prepared – have an emergency First Aid Kit.

The Northern Colorado Indian Motorcycle Riders Group rides with First Aid Kits.  When going on our group rides, it is common practice for the Lead and Sweep to be carrying first aid kits.  These kits are kept in the NoCo IMRG locker at the dealership and checked out by the ride lead/sweep when going on group rides. 

Do you have a first aid kit?  It is a good idea to have one with you while travelling on your motorcycle.  Some items to consider for your first aid kit:

• An assortment of different size adhesive bandages: your typical “band-aids”
• Conforming stretch gauze bandages: for wrapping wounds
• An assortment of different size sterile gauze dressing: for dressing wounds before wrapping
• Non-adherent sterile dressing: dressing that won’t disrupt healing tissue by sticking to wound
• Laceration closure tape: provides short term alternative to stitches
• Cohesive bandage wrap: stretch wrap that adheres to itself and provides controlled compression on wounds
• Triangular bandage: use for sling, immobilizing limbs, sprain and broken bone support
• Tourniquet: used to apply pressure to a limb in order to stop the flow of blood in emergencies
• Mini shears/scissors: use to cut bandages, clothing, etc.
• Moleskin tape patches: cover or help prevent blisters (such as from foot rubbing in shoe)
• Burn jel: provide pain relief from burns
• Sting relief: relieve pain of insect bites or stings
• Sunscreen lotion: help prevent sunburn
• Aspirin/Ibuprofen: treat pain, inflammation, fever, headaches
• Anti-diarrheal: control symptoms of diarrhea
• Antacid: relieve heartburn, indigestion
• Alcohol wipes: to clean area around wound
• Antibiotic ointment: help prevent infection, aid in healing minor cuts and scrapes
• Tweezers: remove splinters

Have you checked your First Aid Kit to be ready for the riding season?  A once a year (minimum) check is a very good idea to know what you have and what needs to be replaced or added. Your First Aid Kit should be easily recognizable such as being in a bright red pouch or marked with a cross and the letters “First Aid.”  Also, when packing your First Aid Kit, make sure it is easily found and not hidden beneath other gear you are carrying on your motorcycle.  As you may not be the one retrieving your First Aid Kit in an emergency, you want others to be able to quickly find your kit.  It’s also a good idea to let other group riders know where your First Aid Kit is located on your motorcycle.