CYCLING FIRST AID & EMERGENCIES

 

Like most outdoor activities, cycling involves some risk of injury.  By keeping your equipment in good repair, always wearing a helmet, being alert to dangers on the roads, and practicing safe cycling techniques, you can minimize your risk of injury. Cycling merit badge requires that scouts know the symptoms and treatment for common outdoor injuries and illnesses. This page summarizes first aid and emergency information for injuries and conditions commonly encountered by cyclists. We have not covered all the injuries required for the badge, such as insect bites and stings, snake bites, and poisonous plants. Scouts should review and understand chapter 11 of your Boy Scout Handbook of the First Aid Merit Badge pamphlet. We have provided references to the first aid information in the handbook (HB page ##) where applicable.

 

Abrasions (HB page 304)

While minor cuts and bruises can occur while riding, the most common injury as a result of minor crashes is abrasions. Often call road rash by cyclists, abrasions result when your nice soft skin contacts the pavement – especially at high speeds. Abrasions can be painful and often bleed a great deal. Infection is a danger, especially if dirt and stones are left in the wound. Treatment includes the thorough cleaning of the wound, application of antibiotic ointment, and bandaging with a sterile bandage.  You should protect the wound from dirt and infection and change the bandage regularly until it heals.

 

Eye Injuries (HB page 314)

Cycling can put your eyes at risk from stones that may be kicked up by riders in front or flying insects; even snow and rain can hurt when you’re going 25 miles per hour! Eye impacts can cause permanent injury, so don’t take unnecessary risks with your eyes. Most cyclists wear impact-resistant sunglasses to protect their eyes - and to make them look cool! Tinted safety glasses from a hardware store or home center also work well – and they’re less expensive.

If you get a small object in your eye, such as a dirt speck, try blinking and crying. Don’t rub your eye! Often this will flush the speck and allow you to remove it.  You can also flush the eye with water from your water bottle (don’t try this with Gatorade!).  If those don’t work, make sure your hands are clean and gently pull the upper eyelid out over the lower lid.  This may allow the speck to be “caught” on the lower lid and removed. For an object under the lower eyelid, place your thumb under the lower lid and gently pull the lid down.  Use a sterile gauze pad or clean cloth to remove the speck from the lower eyelid. If pain persists after removing the object or your vision is blurry, be sure to see a doctor.

 

Dehydration (HB page 321)

Dehydration can be a serious hazard if you don’t manage fluid intake before, during and after a ride. Cycling can be a very strenuous physical activity. Your body requires water, electrolytes (salts and minerals) and energy (food) during long rides.  It is important to maintain your fluid intake during the ride. You should carry at least one water bottle on every ride. Two bottles should be used for rides longer than one to two hours. Drink before you become thirsty; drink smaller amounts more frequently – your body will absorb more of the water you drink. Sports drinks, such at Gatorade®, Powerade® and Accelerade® contain electrolytes and carbohydrates (energy) that will enable your body to perform better for longer periods. They should be balanced with regular water during longer rides. Hydration is important on any ride, but it’s especially important during warmer weather when dehydration can contribute to other heat-related illnesses (see below).

Symptoms

Treatment

·   Fatigue

·   Headache and body aches

·   Confusion and thirst

Prevention is the first step. Drink plenty of water. If you do get dehydrated you should stop, rest, and drink water and sports drinks. You should feel better in 30 to 40 minutes. It can take several days to fully re-hydrate after a long race, so you should continue to drink plenty of water.

 

Heat Reactions (HB page 319-320)

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real hazards that cyclists face during the warmer months.  Heat stroke is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical treatment.  Heat exhaustion is less serious but must also be treated to prevent shock.

Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms

Treatment

·   Pale skin that is clammy from sweating

·   Nausea and fatigue

·   Dizziness and fainting

·   Headache, muscle cramps and weakness

·   Lie victim down in a cool shady place, raise feet and remove excess clothing

·   Cool victim with wet cloths and fanning if possible

·   Have victim sip water or sports drink (don’t gulp)

·   If symptoms persists, get medical attention

 

Heat Stroke

Symptoms

Treatment

·   Very hot skin

·   Red skin, may be dry or moist from sweat

·   Rapid and shallow pulse

·   Confusion and irritability

·   Victim may loose consciousness

·   The victim must be treated immediately, this is a life-threatening condition

·   Lie the victim in a cool shady area and remove excess clothing

·   Cool the victim immediately using cold water, fanning, placing the victim in a nearby stream.  Use a combination of all the methods available

·   Monitor the victim carefully  Temperature may rise again sharply

·   Victim may loose consciousness

·   Victim may require rescue breathing

·   Get medical attention as soon as possible

 

Hypothermia (HB page 323)

Hypothermia is a dangerous condition of reduced body core temperature. When we hear of someone “freezing to death” or dying from “exposure,” that’s hypothermia. While hypothermia is a danger during really cold weather, it’s most common between 30o and 50oF. Many people don’t think of hypothermia at these temperatures and may not be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially if they get wet or it’s a windy day. Dressing appropriately in layers and being prepared for weather changes helps protect you from hypothermia. You’re more at risk of hypothermia when you stop for a break than when you’re riding because your body generates more heat when you’re active.

Symptoms

Treatment

·   Feeling cold and numb

·   Uncontrollable shivering

·   Fatigue and/or anxiety

·   Confusion, irritability, poor judgment

·   Stumbling, poor balance

·   Loss of consciousness

 

CAUTION - If one person in your group becomes hypothermic, the rest of the group is also at risk. Protect yourself and others by going indoors, put on dry clothes, eat and drink something (especially warm drinks).

 

·   Get the victim indoors or into a sheltered area

·   Get the victim into dry clothes if possible

·   Offer warm drinks (cocoa, soup, juice) if possible

·   If possible, place the victim in a dry sleeping bag or wrap with blankets. Place warm water bottles next to the victim’s torso if you can

·   Monitor the victim for shock

·   Get medical attention if the victim’s condition gets worse

 

Frostbite (HB page 324)

Frostbite is a condition where the skin and underlying tissues begin to freeze. Fluids in the cells expand and break the cell walls resulting in tissue death. Exposed skin is especially at risk in cold weather. Protect yourself by wearing proper cold-weather cycling clothes. Take extra care to protect your ears, face, feet and hands (see the section on Cold Weather Riding on the Cycling Skills page. A wind-resistant outer clothing layer will help protect your torso.

Symptoms

Treatment

·   Sharp pain and numbness (usually on the face, hands, nose, or feet)

·   Skin may appear grey or white in places

·   Skin is hard to the touch

 

CAUTION - If one person in your group shows signs of frostbite, the rest of the group should also check for symptoms. Some people suffering from frostbite won’t feel pain.

 

·   Get the victim indoors or into a sheltered area if possible, gently warm the affected areas

·   If your ears or are cold, take your gloves off and warm them with your hands.

·   Hands can be warmed by taking your gloves off and placing your hands under your armpit (inside your clothes)

·   Toes can be warmed by placing your bare feet against a companion’s torso

·   Don’t rub frostbitten areas – this will cause further tissue damage.

·   Once the area is thawed, protect  it from cold and get medical attention