Essential Steps for Safety After an ATV Accident

Jul 22, 2024

Expert Advice from ORNGE Paramedic Jonathan Lee

With the increase in outdoor activities during the warmer months, incidents involving all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) also rise, marking the period from May to September as "Trauma Season."

Ornge reports a 30 percent rise in ATV-related responses by Ornge between 2022 and 2023. We know, ATVs are used to get work done around the farm, as well as to have fun on the farm.

Jonathan Lee, a Critical Care Paramedic from ORNGE helicopter ambulance services, highlights essential steps to mitigate injuries after an ATV accident.

Initial Assessment and Injury Management

If you find yourself involved in an ATV accident, remain calm. Assess any injuries, focusing on Airway, Breathing, and Circulation (ABCs). Ensure the airway is clear, check for breathing, and control any severe bleeding. If alone and capable, evaluate yourself similarly.

Managing Injuries Before Help Arrives

Address bleeding by applying pressure or creating an improvised tourniquet. For suspected fractures, immobilize the limb to prevent further injury. If the injured person is unconscious, position them on their side to maintain a clear airway and prevent choking.

Efficient Communication with Emergency Services

When contacting emergency services, provide precise location details using GPS coordinates, trail markers, or landmarks. Stay on the call until instructed to hang up, ensuring you guide rescuers accurately to your location.

Safety and Prevention Tips

Preventive measures are crucial for ATV safety. Wear a helmet, adhere to designated trails, avoid impairment from drugs or alcohol, and maintain a safe speed suitable for your skill level. Remember, most ATV accidents are preventable with proper precautions.

Jonathan Lee emphasizes that preparedness and preventive practices are key to ensuring a safer ATV riding experience.

Understanding and implementing these steps can significantly reduce the likelihood and severity of injuries, making every ride a safer venture.

For Tips on ATV Safety, please read our article, ATV Safety Training Essential for the Farm - https://www.farms.com/ag-industry-news/atv-safety-training-essential-for-the-farm-828.aspx

Video: The $1.7 Billion Network Behind Canada's Seed Retail Future

Canadian agriculture has changed dramatically over the past 50 years, and so has the business of bringing new crop varieties to farmers. But as public plant breeding faces new pressures, private investment grows and farmers demand more from their genetics, what will the next 50 years look like?

In this special Seed World Canada Retail Strategy Webinar, we celebrate SeCan's 50th anniversary by looking beyond its history to explore the future of Canadian seed retail, plant breeding and variety commercialization.

Join Seed World Canada Senior Editor Marc Zienkiewicz and five industry experts as they discuss how independent seed businesses are adapting to a changing marketplace, the importance of partnerships between breeders and retailers, and what it will take to keep innovative crop genetics flowing into Canadian farmers' fields.