Injured rider Leigh Wilkins doesn’t remember, but apparently he helped his fellow riders at the scene of his own accident on the Great Central Road heading to Uluru earlier this year.
The 44-year-old computer business manager was riding across the desert in April on his way back from the Long Ride for prostate cancer when he hit a series of corrugations that tipped him off his BMW F800 GS.
“I don’t remember much, but I was actually guiding the others in what to do to administer first aid to me,” he says.
Leigh and two of his three fellow riders, including wife Megan, had completed a First Aid For Motorcyclists course and were able to use the information from the course at the accident scene.
“The course was fantastic just for the way no one really panicked,” Leigh says.
“There’s no doubt that one of the greatest parts of this course was the removal of the helmet.
“I believe every motorcyclist, especially those that travel and explore remote areas, should undertake to learn first aid.”
Leigh suffered a serious concussion, broken collarbone, several cracked ribs and torn ligaments in his neck. He is still in a neck collar which comes off next week.
“The doctors had said that I was extremely lucky to have not severed my spinal column; no need to explain what that means,” he says.
However the injured rider is hopeful of getting back on a bike soon as he takes delivery of his new BMW F 800 GS Adventure this weekend.
Leigh’s F 800 GS before the crash“This crash won’t stop me,” Leigh says.
“It’s not the first time and I’m sure it won’t be the last. Megan just wants me to slow down.
“She rides as well and was about 2km behind me when I crashed.”
Leigh recommends all riders complete a motorcycle-specific first-aid course.
“And if you’re able, do one of the best ones around, the sort provided by First Aid For Motorcyclists,” he says.