Intensive care nurse and ambulance officer Nick Grant has experienced both sides of road trauma as a healthcare professional and a patient himself.

It’s been two years since his best mate Sean Dickey was hit and killed when they were riding their motorbikes together in Christchurch.

As part of Motorcycle Awareness Month in September, Grant wants to tell his story to help others:

I will never forget the day April 19, 2022.

I have thought about Sean - who was a good friend and colleague - every day since.

We had both finished work for the day and we went out for a ride to Tai Tapu for dinner.

Nick Grant and his dad on their bikes - Nick says: “Riding bikes is one of my happy places. It’s an amazing feeling, but you need to have the skills to earn that right of riding safely.” Photo / Supplied

We were travelling at the speed limit in the 80km/h zone when a car pulled out from a T-intersection right in front of us.

The police report said that Sean had less than a second to react, while I had just over a second between the car pulling out and colliding with our motorbikes.

We had nowhere to go. I blacked out a little bit - I don’t remember flying through the air. I remember coming to on the road.

My work experience kicked in straight away. I have worked in many traumatic situations, and I could assess quickly what had happened, as well as my own injuries.

I broke my femur, ankle and suffered a concussion. But I knew from what I had seen that Sean was in a much worse condition. He died at the scene of the crash, and it was devastating.

Nick Grant and Sean Dickey – Nick on losing his good mate: “It’s probably the most amount of grief I’ve ever experienced." Photo / Supplied

When I got to Christchurch Hospital the emotions just hit me. I am thankful for my colleagues both in and pre-hospital for the outstanding care they provided to Sean and me.

It was overwhelming and heartbreaking. It’s probably the most amount of grief I’ve ever experienced.

Trying to navigate that has been hard. Trauma is a frequent event in my line of work, so I have had to prepare for that moving forward. Riding bikes is one of my happy places.

It’s an amazing feeling, but you need to have the skills to earn that right of riding safely and protect yourself as if your life depends on it, because it does.

I have two pieces of advice to motorbike riders. Firstly, you have to wear the right protective gear every time you ride.

Every year from September, ACC sees a spike in motorcycle crashes, injury claims, and fatalities. Photo / Supplied

There should be no time you’re hopping on a motorbike or moped without full protective gear, which includes a full-face helmet. I can confidently say my gear saved my life.

Secondly, you need to invest in your training and strive to be the best rider you can be.

Ride Forever is a great programme and the skills you learn could be the difference between life and death.

And lastly, to other road users; look again for motorcyclists.

Motorcycle Awareness Month – September

Every year from September, ACC sees a spike in motorcycle crashes, injury claims, and fatalities.

Motorcycle Awareness Month is promoted by ACC, the Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council (MSAC), NZ Police, local councils, and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

ACC recommends motorbike riders do three things:

1. Check your bikes are well-maintained

2. Ensure your gear is up to scratch

3. Refresh your skills by completing an ACC Ride Forever coaching programme

For more visit: www.rideforever.co.nz