Wollongong crash: cyclist flown to hospital with serious injuries
The cyclist, in his 40s, suffered serious head and chest injuries and is being flown to hospital.
Illawarra Star
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A cyclist has been flown to hospital with serious head and chest injuries after he was allegedly hit by a car in Wollongong this morning.
Emergency services were called to the intersection of Springhill Road and Keira Street, Wollongong, about 7am on Tuesday, following reports of a crash between a car and bicycle.
The male cyclist, believed to be aged in his 50s, was treated at the scene before a helicopter flew him to hospital.
NSW Ambulance duty operations manager Inspector Terry Morrow said a crew of paramedics arrived at the crash site within 30 seconds, after they happened to drive past while driving to Warrawong to end their shift.
“Our paramedics put their training to the test and did everything they could to provide lifesaving treatment for the patient,” he said.
“When you arrive at a job like this, you are often confronted with a lot of trauma and distress.”
Inspector Morrow said bystanders assisted the man, giving him CPR immediately after the accident.
“Everything we do is about being there for people and helping them, but today we also had bystanders assisting with CPR and they should be commended for their efforts,” he said.
“We encourage everyone to learn basic CPR in case they come across a crash, or any incident.
Every minute counts and if you can get in there and assist prior to our arrival, it can help to make the difference between life and death.”
Inspector Morrow said the identity of the man was still unknown, andurged cyclists to carry a license or some form of identification with them if riding alone.
“We are urging those using our roads to please be careful – we really need everyone to look up and look out for each other,” he said.
The driver has been taken to Wollongong Hospital for mandatory testing, as well as treatment for shock.
Officers from Wollongong Police District have established a crime scene and commenced inquiries