ABATE hosts local motorcycle safety courses

ABATE of Iowa’s District 11 is hosting two safety events for riders, members of the community and emergency personnel.

The Golden Hour presented by Slider Gilmore is an accident scene management seminar for all riders 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, at Southwestern Community College, Room 220, 1501 W. Townline St. in Creston. Register at https://form.jotform.us/SWCC-CE/accident-scene. The class teaches riders first-aid of particular help after motorcycle accidents.

The Two Wheel Trauma Course presented by Frank Prowant is a two-day course specially intended for professional emergency responders, including EMTs, nurses, physicians and law enforcement, though the public is invited to come.

This program is to enhance the survival rate for the injured riders of bicycles, motorcycles, ATVs, mopeds, snowmobiles and other vehicles of similar design and to reduce the potential for rescuer injury due to inappropriate action at the accident scene. It will be held 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at SWCC. The program includes breakfast, lunch and two water breaks. Register at https://form.jotform.us/SWCC-CE/two_wheel.

These seminars are given to the public for free will donation. All the proceeds go to benefit ABATE of Iowa District 11. However, SWCC must collect a $10 processing fee from healthcare professionals seeking continuing education credits through their participation.

It presents a serious savings, according to District 11 Coordinator Victor Rodriguez of West Des Moines. Similar programs cost upward of $300 with processwing fees of $50 or more.

“I’ve talked to about 90 people so far who though that was wonderful,” he said, though he personally sponsored the Golden Hour presentation. “You pick up little tips and tricks for while you’re driving that you would never think about.”

From what to avoid eating before you ride to how to react to a head wound in the critical moments after an accident, ABATE District 11 is dedicated to bringing safer practices to the road.