Air medical team on standby to transport injured riders from the 85th annual event
RAPID CITY, SD – 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.”
Black Hills Life Flight is part of Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical service provider. Crews station a helicopter at Black Hills Airport in Spearfish in order to reach injured riders as quickly as possible and transport them to the appropriate level of care. Should a rider need to be taken to a larger Level 1 trauma center in Denver, Sioux Falls, Billings, or Omaha, their fixed wing aircraft is equipped for longer transports. It may also transport patients from out of state to hospitals closer to home when necessary. Every flight is crewed by a seasoned pilot and a highly trained critical care team consisting of a flight nurse and paramedic. They carry whole blood, which can be administered in flight, positively increasing the outcome for patients suffering from extreme blood loss and at risk of hemorrhagic shock.
Air Methods is dedicated to serving communities across the country with the highest standards for safety and clinical excellence. The company is in-network with most health insurance providers, and the Air Methods patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance, to help ensure the affordability of air medical services without the need for a pre-paid membership.
