RAPID CITY, S.D. – For motorcyclists, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally represents a unique opportunity to enjoy a memorable ride with fantastic scenery and a strong sense of community. For the air medical crew at Black Hills Life Flight, however, it represents one of the busiest times of the year for emergency transports.
“The most common traumas we see during the rally are traumatic brain injuries, musculoskeletal injuries including amputation (when a limb gets caught between two motorcycles or between a bike and the road), and rib/lung injuries including collapsed lungs,” said Megan Catalano, a flight nurse with Black Hills Life Flight. “We routinely do more advanced airway management, immobilization/splinting, blood product administration, and general medication administration during the rally than the rest of the year.”
Fortunately, many of these life-changing injuries are preventable. Common causes of accidents include:
- Riding without a helmet and protective clothing,
- Riding under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol,
- Riding too fast for the conditions,
- Exceeding posted speed limits,
- Forgetting to bring prescription medications resulting in heart failure or complications from conditions such as diabetes,
- Underestimating the impact heat and altitude have on the body.
Most of the serious injuries requiring emergency air medical transport are caused by distracted riding, alcohol, or loss of control due to high speeds or road conditions.
“Be sure to leave adequate time to get from point A to point B,” said Meade County Sheriff Pat West. “People ride too fast—they may be trying to keep up with a more veteran rider or get to their campground before an afternoon storm hits—but our curving roads require riders to pay attention and know their limits. Defensive driving is the key. It doesn’t matter how good of a rider you are; someone else could make a mistake that you must react to, so be aware of your surroundings. And don’t drink and ride.”