Bikers from across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are being encouraged to sign up for a First Aid for bikers course to help improve safety on the roads.

The courses have been organised by the Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership who promote road safety in the county.

Those attending the three hour course will learn essential first aid skills specifically for motorcyclists.

The training will cover topics including scene management, triage skills and helmet removal protocols.

Bikers will also learn about CPR, the use of defibrillators, dealing with spinal and neck injuries and how to manage shock and bleeding.

The course costs £10 per person and is being delivered by experienced First Aid Instructors, who are also motorcyclists themselves.

Speaking on behalf of the Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership, David Williams, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Staffordshire County Council said: "We continue to have some of the safest roads in the country, which is something we're proud of and something the partnership has worked hard to achieve.

"Our latest First Aid for bikers course is perfect for riders of all ages and abilities and complements our other courses. For this one, we have deliberately teamed up with experienced riders trained in first aid to make sure we're giving bikers the essential skills they need to manage a situation or to provide first aid until the emergency services arrive.

"Over the years, we have seen a real reduction in the number of collisions involving bikers, which is great news, but one accident is one too many. Having those essential skills could not only help save lives but can also give bikers more confidence that if something should happen, then they know how to deal with it. I would urge riders of all ages to do the course."

Courses are being held in Stafford on 7 July, 19 August and 29 September.

To book a place or to find out more, email [email protected]