Motorcyclist rider alert card program established

SUFFERN - The Bon Secours Charity Health System is launching the Rider Alert Card Program - an initiative that officials said has the potential to save the lives of motorcyclists or reduce the severity of their injuries after an accident. The program provides motorcyclists with a decal to stick on the outside of their helmets and a waterproof information card to insert between the helmet’s lining and shell. When an accident occurs and a rider is left physically injured, incoherent or unconscious, this sticker notifies passersby that come to the aid of the motorcyclist that they should leave the injured rider’s helmet intact, and this should help prevent additional trauma to the rider. Once emergency medical services (EMS) personnel arrive, these responders will be alerted to the information card by the decal on the helmet. When appropriate to remove the helmet, responders will have immediate access to the rider’s allergies, existing medical conditions, and emergency contacts. The program has the potential to improve treatment following a crash for thousands of the region’s motorcyclists. In 2009, 11,300 motorcycle accidents occurred in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Of these accidents, 729 were fatal. Although there are many factors that can lead to an accident, officials said the program also serves as a motorcyclist’s reminder to practice safe riding on the road while providing precautionary medical assistance if an accident occurs. The program traces its roots to the United Kingdom, where it was developed by an EMS motorcyclists’ club, the Ambulance Motorcycle Club, and more than 300,000 cards have been given out there to date. For more information or to request cards, contact Ernie Stonick at 368-5408 or e-mail to: Ernie_Stonick@bshsi.org.