Emergency services urge bikers to carry crash cards

A SIMPLE green sticker may not sound like much, but it could mean the difference between life and death in a motorcycle crash.

That’s the message from emergency services this riding season, reminding first responders and members of the public that a small green sticker dot stuck on a motorcycle helmet means that the rider is carrying a ‘crash card’.

Such cards hold key information about the rider including next of kin and any medical conditions or allergies they may have, allowing emergency services to administer immediate and accurate treatment (especially useful if the rider is unconscious or unable to communicate). Riders will usually have the card stored in the lining in the top of their helmet or in an external pocket.

The scheme was founded in 2009 by the Ambulance Motorcycle Club and has won a number of road safety awards since. It is available through and recognised by road safety partnerships, air ambulances, fire and rescue services, and ambulance services across the UK.

Among those promoting its use is Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. Speaking to Somerset Live, Road Safety Education Manager for the service, Laura Pratt, said: "It’s a very simple method of getting information about someone who has been involved in a collision.

"We’ve been running it in Devon and Somerset since 2011 or 2012, so its been accepted widely for a number of years.

"The idea behind it is the green dot is for the emergency responders, people who have been specifically trained in helmet removal.

"They’ll be looking for the dot and they know how to take [the helmet] off."

However, there are fears that untrained members of the public may attempt to remove the helmet of an injured rider in order to get to the card. The emergency services warn anyone who comes across a motorcycle accident not to remove a riders helmet unless instructed to by a 999 call handler.

If you are interested in carrying a Crash Card, request one free of charge here.