Over the summer months, the number of motorcyclists out on the roads increases significantly.  Although bikers will be familiar with the calls for them to wear appropriate clothing such as full leathers, West Midlands Ambulance Service is now asking them to also not leave home without their Crash Card.

The Trust’s Regional Head of Emergency Operations Centres, Jeremy Brown, said: “Whilst we hope you never have the need to call 999, the reality is that during the summer months, our call centres do see a noticeable increase in the number of road traffic collisions involving motorcycles.

“As a paramedic myself, I know from experience how important it is that bikers get kitted up with a helmet and protective leathers.  However, we are now also encouraging motorcyclists to go one step further and carry a potentially life-saving CRASH CARD.

“The card provides ambulance staff with vital information if the rider is unable to talk to us for whatever reason. The card gives the carrier’s name, date of birth, medication and medical history which could be vital when it comes to treating you at the scene.”

The card is carried in the lining of a biker’s helmet. Ambulance staff are alerted to its existence by a small green dot on the side of the visor. The card was created by the national Ambulance Motorcycle Club (AMC) and has the backing of Midlands Air Ambulance.

Essex Paramedic, Ian Burrell, Chairman of the AMC, said: “This card is borne out of experience.  It has been designed by serving paramedics who have been on both sides of an accident; as the injured rider or attending as medical help.

“If a biker is injured and unable to talk coherently because of concussion or having been knocked out, how does the ambulance crew find out who the patient is, what medication they take or their medical history?  The card provides much of this important information.”

For any bikers wishing to join the scheme or if you just want to find out more, please log onto:www.ambulancemotorcycleclub.150m.com