At the AGM I heard a story of such a predicament one group was left in, and which involved an injured biker being taken away unconscious in an air ambulance. I for one had to deal with a slightly less serious drama a few years ago when a rider dislocated his shoulder, ambulance called etc etc.
There are some wise words on the National Forum about everyone taking responsibility for their own safety and making it as easy as possible for the emergency services. Basically, get yourself a card or even just a piece of paper and put your I.C.E. - in case of emergency - details on it, and stick it in your wallet or somewhere else where it will be found if you're out riding and the worst happens.
Some interesting points of view on this --- http://www.trf.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=18623 -- including this from the ROW Director...
jonpaul1st wrote:ICE apps on phones are designed to be accessed without unlocking. A card back up is always a good idea.
The most important thing is the rider in the helicopter! Not the riders on the ground or the damaged bike. Info re accidents is much better relayed from the professionals to NOK as they can give an informed message.
Message from professional might be that "XX is in such and such hospital and will be discharged in a couple of hours having had treatement for a minor fracture to the wrist."
In comparison the riders phone call (with helicopter in background)
"Daves crashed his bike into a tree and isn't moving, the air ambulance is just taking him away to a major trauma centre - I don't know which one......his bike's all mangled.."
In some circumstances it may be detrimental for colleagues to take the bike away, particularly if the crash was a result of mechanical failure or collision. The bike may form evidence and having 3rd parties take it away may damage the integrity of that evidence. Best left to police in some circumstances. Insurance covers the cost of having it secured in the pound.