Los Angeles General Medical Center Thursday launched an e-bike safety initiative in response to what hospital officials described as an increase in patients treated for injuries involving the electric bicycles.
Through the “100 Helmets for a Safer Community” initiative, the medical center said it made 100 free helmets available to community members, provided helmet-fitting education and introduced an English and Spanish e-bike safety guide for children, teenagers and families.
The initiative grew out of concerns raised by the medical center’s trauma, orthopedic and emergency specialists, who are seeing the consequences of e-bike crashes firsthand, hospital officials said.
“Our commitment to the community does not begin when someone arrives at our trauma center,” Los Angeles General Medical Center CEO Jorge Orozco said. “As a trusted partner in our community, Los Angeles General Medical Center is proud to take concrete steps to help prevent that injury from happening in the first place.”
E-bikes can travel at significantly higher speeds than traditional bicycles, leaving riders with less time to react and increasing the potential for serious injuries in a crash, hospital officials said.
The initiative focuses on rider readiness, speed awareness, helmet selection and fit, safety checks before riding, protective equipment, safer riding practices and recognizing when medical treatment may be needed following a crash.
E-bike crashes can result in devastating injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, complex fractures and spinal injuries that can have life-altering consequences,” Los Angeles General Medical Center Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brad Spellberg said.
Spellberg said recovery for some patients may involve multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation or result in permanent disabilities.
The medical center’s bilingual safety guide includes information about the three classes of e-bikes, helmet use, protective equipment, pre-ride safety checks, safer riding practices and warning signs that may require medical attention after a crash.
During Thursday’s launch, clinicians and trained staff demonstrated how to properly fit helmets, provided injury-prevention education and helped community members select helmets. Families also received copies of the safety guide.
“Wearing a properly fitted helmet, riding at a safe speed and following the rules of the road are simple but important steps that can reduce the risk of serious injury,” Los Angeles General Medical Center Chief of Surgery and Director of Operating Rooms Dr. Kenji Inaba said.
Hospital officials said the initiative will continue through patient education and future community injury-prevention efforts.
Los Angeles General Medical Center is a 606-bed Level I Trauma Center operated by the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.
