-1ASMI DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND VISION STATEMENT
Vicki Roberts, RN/EMT - ASMI Program Director
The first two years of the Bystander Assistance Program “A Crash Course for the
Motorcyclist” has been a growing and rewarding experience. With limited funding and a
desire to teach, a small group of dedicated and ambitious people set out to instruct a few
bikers what to do in the event a crash would occur. After teaching 867 people (55 out of
state) in two years we learned as much as we taught! The participants came hungry for
knowledge and the stories we heard back of situations where the information was able to
be used in a constructive manner was all the reward we needed to keep going.
One of the extraordinary things about this program that makes it such a GREAT idea was
observed by one of the participants when they commented, “I’ve never seen such a cooperative effort by government-insurance-legal & medical factions”. Indeed it has been
that. With the assistance of the Wisconsin Health and Hospital Association (grant and
hospital directory), local hospitals who host the programs, the Wisconsin State Medical
Society (grant assistance), the Wisconsin DOT-Don Hagen (grant assistance), DOTNHTSA (grant assistance), Michael F. Hupy & Associates (grants, provides an attorney
at each class, accident investigator, promotion, emotional support and dinner now and
then), and insurance companies who are beginning to recognize the class as a motorcycle
safety related class and are giving participants 10% off their insurance.
Vision Statement - Excitement is growing nation wide regarding a program that is bound
to make a difference in communities. The EMS has done much over the years to save
lives by providing more specialized training and equipment to professionals. Though the
number of CPR trained general public is at it’s highest level, CPR is really geared at
handling heart attack & choking victims and doesn’t adequately deal with trauma
situations where spinal immobilization and bleeding are other critical factors. The biggest
hindrance to bystander care is fear and lack of knowledge. The weakest link in the EMS
“Chain of Survival” is the Early Life Saving Intervention. Outcomes could be greatly
enhanced by provided the earliest possible proper care and intervention. Trained
bystanders can provide that care and work as an asset to the EMS already in place. It is
my desire to see Bystander care become something everyone knows. It can be taught at
schools, churches, community hospitals, to clubs, & businesses (US Dept. of Labor
claims workers are more likely to die in motor vehicle crashes than in any other jobrelated incident -1996 report). Each state should have it’s own program. Motorcycle
Trauma classes should be offered and run in a way similar to the MSF program. The
popularity is obvious and the outcome would pay for itself immediately with reduced
injuries and fatalities.
1999 proves to be an interesting year as ASMI awaits it’s 501(c)3 status and branches out
to teach motor vehicle trauma classes, advanced bystander care, and a CEU class for
professionals re: motorcycle trauma. As requests come in from around the country a five
week tour is being planned for southern states to introduce them to the class and gather
interest in nation-wide, state run Bystander Assistance Programs.
Accident Scene Management, Inc. Survey - December 1998 (98survey)
-2ASMI - BYSTANDER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (BAP)
1998 Survey Results Summary
A co-operative survey conducted by Wisc. DOT & Accident Scene Management, Inc.
(ASMI) was conducted in Dec. 1998. People who had participated in a pilot project
assisted by Wisconsin DOT and DOT-NHTSA where asked to complete as series of
detailed questions about if and how taking the course impacted their lives . A community
education class taught by ASMI focused on motorcycle crash site trauma care.
Motorcyclists were the target audience as it was felt that the first person to be at the scene
of a motorcycle crash was another motorcyclist. The goals of the program were to reduce
the severity of injuries and fatalities associated with motorcycle trauma. We also intended
to educate people how to protect themselves legally and financially should a crash occur.
The results of the survey are attached. Approximately 40% of the surveys were
completed. The majority of the people taking the class were between 30-59 y/o (85%)
with 64% of them being male gender. 86% own their own motorcycle with only 38%
having completed a M/C Safety class. 33% had taken an Experienced Rider Class. 33%
were CPR certified.
Of the 27 people who had attended both the 3-1/2 hour 1997 course and the 6 hour 1998
course, all said that they preferred the 6 hour 1998 version mostly because of the
additional information it provided and the hands on opportunities. All 314 surveys said
that they would recommend the course to a friend.
64% heard about the program through a club or motorcycling organization with 54% of
them being ABATE and HOG. Press (radio, TV, newspaper, magazine) accounted for 9%
with 25% being word of mouth from friends. Only 7% heard about the class through
flyers or workplace.
99.7% of the people felt the education was useful to them. Most expressed a new
willingness and confidence to assist should a situation arise. Though 27% of the people
said that they had used the information they learned since taking the class only 5% had
been in a crash themselves. Of those who had used the information there was a variety of
responses from assisting with motor vehicle and work injuries to sharing the information
with others and being a smarter consumer. Only 4% received a discount on their
insurance with the majority of the people not having checked into it.
59% went on to seek further education after taking the course. 56 took CPR, 42
completed a M/C safety class, 4 became EMTs and 5 became First Responders.
Probably the most surprising result of the survey was the 92% of people who said that
they rode with more care after taking the class. Of the 8% who said they didn’t, the
majority of them said that they already were very careful riders.
The survey questions to follow will be shown in regular print with results in italics. Any
questions should be directed to Vicki Roberts,RN ASMI Director - at the address or
phone # found on the cover.
Accident Scene Management, Inc. Survey - December 1998 (98survey)
-3Bystander Assistance Program (BAP) Survey
Statistical information
Surveys sent:
1004
Surveys returned:
41 (returned address unknown)
Class Participants:
813
Repeat Participants:
27 (took class in 1997 & again in 1998)
Surveys Completed:
314
40% - Surveys Completed (Participants - Repeat = 314/786 = 40%)
The following information was optional.
Age Groups:
<20 1
20-29 12
Sex:
Male 191
30-39 75
40-49 91
50-59 90
60-69 13
Female 109
Own Motorcycle: 259
CPR Certified: 98
*MSF Instructor (2)
Passenger: 79
M/C Safety class : 114
*First Aid/CPR Instructor (2)
* some were both
Exp. Rider class: 100
Survey Questions
1.) I attended the class in:  1997
125
 1998
157
  both
27
*if you answered "both" - which program did you prefer 



 3 1/2 hr (1997)




 6 hr (1998)
27
*why did you prefer one program over the other?
-learned more
-more time for questions
-more information (5)
-more in depth (5)
-increased hands on (9)
-liked both
-3 1/2 hours was insufficient
-more comprehensive
-better labs
-liked video
-didn’t know about 1998 class
2.) Where did you hear about the BAP program?
-ABATE meeting or newsletter (89)
-H.O.G. Chapter meeting (82)
-GWRRA (14)
Accident Scene Management, Inc. Survey - December 1998 (98survey)
-4-Biker functions/Swap meets (5)
-Motorcycle Clubs (10)
-Flyers/brochures (9)
-Newsletter (Specific chapter) (3)
-Magazine(1)
-TV (2)
-Newspaper (19)
-Radio (6) WTMJ Jonathon Green Show
-Friend (42)
-Vicki (21)
-Tony (17)
-Safety Officer (4)
-Dealership (1)
-Hospital (3)
-Hupy Law Office (1)
-NCTC (1)
-Chrysler Corp (1)
3.) Would you recommend that a friend take a Bystander Assistance class?
  yes all   no 0
4.) Do you feel this education has been helpful to you?
  yes 305 
 no 1
*please explain:
-Legal aspects (6)
-Helmet removal (6)
-Liability for not assisting
-Increased knowledge (basic things to do and not, logical sequence) (66)
-CPR/First Aid knowledge is important (8)
-New and fresh approach
-Made me more aware, more confident, more resourceful (31)
-Can assist in MVA as well (2)
-Can’t help if you don’t have the knowledge
-Know how to help without causing further harm
-Defensive driving
-Importance of calling in a clear description
-Just knowing the information, gives me peace of mind
-Better understanding of car accident vs. motorcycle accident
-Continued exposure to information is important
-I assisted the Safety Officer in H.O.G. chapter meeting
-Preserving scene (is often forgotten) (5)
-View Insurance policies differently/changed policies (16)
-Reinforces basics of emergency care
-Very basic 1st aid, nothing more, helpful but limited.
-Offers more than basic information
-Safety consideration (3)
-Ride with more confidence/more defensively (5)
Accident Scene Management, Inc. Survey - December 1998 (98survey)
-5-Informative
-More aware of complications that may occur/prevention (9)
-Didn’t know what to do before
-Common sense information
-Being a professional, now I can explain in layman’s terms
-Carry a medical kit now (3)
-I got a friend to go
-Might save a life
-Feel helpful now
-As a MSF instructor/biker, chances are greater that I’ll come upon an accident
-Feel more in control
-Any knowledge is good
5.) Have you used any of the info. you learned since taking the class?
 yes 83 
 no 228
*if "yes" please explain.
-Carry a medical pack, phone and/or camera now (5)
-Encountered a scene (3)
-Medical professional, use daily (3)
-In school (2)
-Indirectly, has increased awareness, use every time we ride (8)
-Insurance wise-yes (13)
-In legal aspects (2)
-Assisted at a scene (13): called for help (2), kept injured calm (3), protected the scene
(2), directed traffic (2), stayed with the victim (2)
-Working injury-assisted with pressure
-Have taken CPR since
-Increased comfort level at a scene
-In conversation, shared information (12)
-Was in an accident (3)
-Highly recommend course, will promote the class
-Not directly
-Took a man to hospital after hitting tree with bike
-Came upon overturned semi. Utilized knowledge gained from class
-Passed out information to fellow members
-Assisted in traffic control with a motorist experiencing a CVA
-I was in an accident and knew what to do
-In conversation about the class
-More courtesy towards cyclist
6.) Has taking the class stimulated you to seek further education?

 yes
172  no
122
*if "yes" what kind
CPR 56 M/C Safety
42
 EMT 4
First Responder 5
Comments:
-Purchased book on first aid
-Purchased video set “street smarts”
Accident Scene Management, Inc. Survey - December 1998 (98survey)
-6-Personal freedom
-MSF Instructor courses
-Continuously furthering education (5)
-Took BAP a second time (13)
7.) Do you feel taking the class made you ride with more care?
  yes 280 
 no
25
8.) Have you been in a crash (or any incident) since taking the class?
  yes
16 
 no
271
*if "yes" do you believe that the info. you learned helped you in any way and
how did it help?
*See additional info. under “comments” section at end of report*
-Remained calm
-Took pictures and activated EMS
-Went for help
-Minor crash with no injuries
-Don’t know
-Safer accident site
-Assessed husbands injuries-minor
-Cared for individual-reasoned with them
-Knew what to do in an inexperienced group
-Helmet removal
-No-one injured (2), wish I had camera at scene
-Helped my husband save my life and tend to our 7 year old son with first aid
9.) Did you receive a discount on your insurance after taking this class?
  yes
11 
 no
269
*How much? 5% 2
10% 4 15%
0
Other: -not sure (2)
-$200.00
*Which Company?  Dairyland 3  Heritage 0  State Farm 0
Other: -Illinois Farmers-10%
-Progressive-5% and 10%
-Farmers-10%
-Guiedent-% unsure
-American Family
Additional Comments:
-Thanks for sending schedule so I can attend
-Class needs to be more available in time
-Where is my patch
-Nice teachers, good class, glad I took it
-Keep this program alive
-Am a chapter educator, would like to find some tapes to use, always looking for new
material
-Wish we’d been given more practical things to do for injuries at crash site, eg.
CPR and 1st Aid
Accident Scene Management, Inc. Survey - December 1998 (98survey)
-7-Excellent program (5)
-Recommend class (4)
-Learned a lot
-Thanks for sharing expertise
-Well worth the while
-Education still the best defensive riding skill
-Enjoyed the class immensely
- The class was a real eye opener. I now carry a first aid kit & camera with me on my
bike at all times. In fact the majority of the time I have my cell phone along. Keep up the
excellent job.
-I will sign up for the course again because no matter how much you think you know you
will come out with more information. I think it is great that these courses are offered in
many locations and with reviews for those who need it.
-This program should be available to all licensed drivers and cyclists. This program was
fantastic!!! BUT??? Why limit this exclusively to motorcycle riders?? This really
intrigues me. What if I were a motorist or cyclist (which I am as a tri-athlete) and came
upon a motorcycle accident?? Your comments will be appreciated. I’ll bet a motorcycle
rider involved in an accident sure would appreciate my training even if I was a cyclist or
motorist. I am very active in running , cycling, etc. & belong to three clubs in Wisc.
Could your program be offered to one of our monthly meetings? I will bet money it would
be very popular!!! Thanks.
-The class has the quality of trying to explain a Vietnam ambush situation to person’s
that are going to find themselves in a similar situation. The idea that you can use these
proven directives when faced with dilemmas that others have faced before, i.e.: don’t
become a victim twice once you’re in the accident (the second time when you go to
court) usually two years later. The medical info was redundant but if you haven’t been to
Vietnam was sufficient.
-In July 1998 I witnesses a minor motorcycle accident in Rual Kansas. The training I
received made it possible for me to assist the rider and evaluate the situation helping
prevent any more problems at the scene. Both rider and machine had minor injuries (sore
ankle/Bent handlebars). The rider had less than 1500 miles of riding experience although
over 1000 miles from home. The rider now knows what “fresh oil” signs mean especially
in the rain. Education is still the best defensive riding skill. Ride Free.
- I enjoyed the class immensely both times I participated. Each time I acquired more
information. I’ve been a passenger for 26 years and an owner of my own motorcycle for
one. This class gave me a heightened awareness of what it means to be a safer rider. I
would feel less helpless if I ever encountered an accident. Everyone that I know that
has taken this class thought it was terrific.
-Very worthwhile, gained a lot of information in a short time. Should be required for all
operators/riders. Many thanks to the knowledgeable instructors.
-I am sorry it took me so long to respond but paper work was lost in the holiday pile. I
really enjoyed the opportunity to take the Bystander Assistance Course and will plan to
take the advanced course. Everyone involved in teaching the course I attended in
Madison, WI. did a great and enthusiastic job. These courses are essential to improving
motorcycle safety and their development must continue. My thanks to all who have taken
their time and energy to do this.
-When mentioning have taken class to others have been amazed how many nonmotorcycle people do not have certification for CPR or First Aid! The education made
Accident Scene Management, Inc. Survey - December 1998 (98survey)
-8me more aware of possible injuries and limitations of training I currently have. Also
might be of assistance in a motorvehicle accident if I came upon one while traveling.
-Great Program! I hope I never need to use the knowledge I gained but I will be far less
likely to panic if I have some idea of what I need to do.
-I looked at my insurance policies (bike truck and car) and found that they were the bare
minimum so I upped them to the maximum & added underinsured & an umbrella clause.
I believe anybody who rides a motorcycle should take this course and since it is usually
before riding season it helps you get prepared by checking your insurance policies and
alerts you on how to help if you’re in or come upon an accident.
-Let me begin by stating what a fantastic program this is. Down to earth, straightforward
information. The WI. D.O.T. absolutely must keep this program. It just goes to show the
rest of the nation how proactive WI. motorcyclists can be. It just makes sense after the
rider education courses to go to the next step to reduce the severity of injuries and
protect the life of another rider. I’m extremely impressed with the dedication of Vicki R.,
Tony “Pan” and all the other instructors. These individuals all have jobs and families
and still they take their time to teach this fantastic course to others. I’m also grateful for
the support of Michael F. Hupy & Assoc., S.C. as well as the D.O.T.! I have taken both
classes and as I look around the room I thought to myself “these are the kinds of people I
want to share the road with, people that are responsible”. I think this would be a real
plus for drivers education for high school students and/or added extra for the basic riders
course or experienced riders course. Teaching someone how to drive or ride is not
enough. What are the odds that if you drive or ride that you might be in an accident or on
the scene of an accident? Knowing what to do when an accident happens can save
someone’s life! Not just this, but the legal information and the insurance portion of the
program was a real plus. This part had a real impact on me. I would bet there wasn’t a
single person that left there and didn’t contact their insurance person. To have someone
explain the legalities in a commonsense way was very valuable. The sad part is that most
people don’t learn they don’t have enough insurance until they need it and then it’s too
late. I just can’t stress to you how important this program is. It is nothing but good news.
Each time I took the course I hoped to God I would never need it. So far I haven’t but I
sure feel better knowing I’ve taken an extra step to be a responsible motorcyclist here in
Wisconsin. Please keep up the good work! I was in an accident and was very lucky that
no one was injured. I did have my trauma kit on the bike which was good but what I wish
I would have had was one of those disposable cameras to document the accident scene!
-My wife and I thank Michael F. Hupy for sponsoring the initial Bystander Assistance
classes. We would also like to thank the course instructors for their time and dedication.
They shared a wealth of information and good practical advice from the biker’s
perspective. Any and all questions were addressed.
-We (my husband and I) wanted to take this year’s class but were out of town when it was
given. We heard that it was much improved because there were more hands-on activities.
Next year we hope to be able to take the BAP program.
-As a Road Captain of HOG I think this course could be a real life saver. I would like
more officers to take the course. This education was helpful because now I know what to
do to secure an accident scene...take pictures/have other bikers direct traffic around the
accident/send someone to get help/use a cell phone. I bought a safety kit which could be
handy.
-I feel some of this should be taught to high school drivers education classes. If it can
save one life it is worth the money.
Accident Scene Management, Inc. Survey - December 1998 (98survey)
-9-Before handing out certificates I’d like to see that everyone has done a helmet removal,
the log roll of a person, and the jaw thrust CPR method. The film on what to do in an
accident needs to have a “professional” look to it. It was too choppy. According to the
ABATE newsletter thanks to the DOT the video was redone professionally. I hope to see it
sometime in the future. Many of the ideas from the class I have “injected” into the
classroom portion of my motorcycle safety classes. Plus I also push the idea on the
students that it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take a Bystander Assistance Class.
-Has anyone gotten a discount on their insurance because of taking this class? I am
disabled but I would have liked to have seen more hands on during the class. I have been
riding with a higher sense of awareness since taking this class. Thank you!
-I was impressed with how they covered everything. Medical, Legal, and many things that
you would not normally think of. It was presented in a logical sequence. I had a hard
time keeping up writing things down. I think it would be great to be able to purchase a
video or record it on my own to be able to review it from time to time. Overall I give it a
very high recommendation and have told many people how worthwhile it is. I bought a
trauma kit and keep it with us all the time although I hope I never have to use it.
-We should get a card to put in our wallet to prove we took the course.
-My wife and I came upon an overturned semi while riding in Waukesha County in
August. The wheels were still spinning when we found it. Someone else who witnessed the
accident already had gotten the driver out of the cab. He had a laceration to the head.
My wife who had also taken the course stayed with him. the other driver and I set up his
warning triangles and took over traffic control as it was a winding county road. I had
called the sheriffs dept. on my cell phone & requested their assistance, medical help and
a tow truck. A paramedic responded in a short period of time. Due to other traffic
accidents the sheriff didn’t get there until an hour later. We both remained on the scene
until that time. I am used to accident scenes as I am a retired police officer with 28 years
on the job. My wife said she recalled from the class what to do: care for the injured, call
for help, and protect the scene to prevent other accidents. As our new HOG chapter
director I will promote your class to our group.
Accident Scene Management, Inc. Survey - December 1998 (98survey)