Dick "Slider" Gilmore

Dick "Slider" Gilmore: The Man Behind Motorcycle Emergency Training

When Dick “Slider” Gilmore found himself lying on the asphalt after a motorcycle crash in the mid-1980s, he realized something that would change the course of his life: the emergency personnel trying to assist him had no idea what they were dealing with. The experience left a deep impression, not just because of the pain and the trauma, but because of the utter lack of specialized knowledge on how to handle motorcycle accidents safely and effectively.

Drawing on his background in Basic Life Support (BLS) training, which he had been involved with since the 1970s, Slider saw a critical need for targeted education. Not only did he want to empower EMTs and first responders, but he also aimed to provide motorcyclists with the tools and knowledge they needed to help themselves and their fellow riders in the event of an accident. In 1986, he launched what would become a pioneering initiative in motorcyclist emergency training: Two Wheel Trauma (TWT).

Pioneering Emergency Training for Riders and Responders

TWT was the first program of its kind in the United States, focusing on the unique dynamics of motorcycle accidents. Slider's curriculum wasn’t just a basic emergency training course—it was a detailed, hands-on program specifically designed for those who might find themselves on the scene of a motorcycle crash, from first responders and EMTs to law enforcement and fellow riders. He understood that motorcycle accidents pose a unique set of challenges compared to car crashes. A fallen rider is more exposed, more vulnerable, and often more critically injured. Addressing these issues head-on, TWT has provided essential training and life-saving techniques to thousands.

From the outset, the impact was undeniable. To date, TWT has been taught in multiple states and at major biker gatherings, including the legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. There, Slider preps emergency personnel in advance of the massive influx of riders, ensuring that they are well-versed in motorcycle-specific trauma care. His courses have reached over 5,000 EMS, fire, law enforcement, and nursing personnel, breaking down barriers and fostering greater understanding between motorcyclists and emergency responders.

The program emphasizes the mechanics of a motorcycle accident and how to approach a downed rider without causing further harm. Slider also created “bike labs,” where local motorcyclists bring their motorcycles to class, giving EMTs and other responders an opportunity to see and understand the bikes up close. This innovative approach has led to more positive interactions and has helped dispel misconceptions about riders within the emergency services community.

Teaching Riders to Save Lives

Slider didn't stop at training emergency personnel. He knew that the first people on the scene of most motorcycle accidents are other riders. In response, he developed the Accident Scene Management (ASM) course, aimed at empowering motorcyclists themselves. ASM educates riders on what to do in the critical moments following a crash, with a strong focus on the “Golden Hour”—the first 60 minutes after an accident that can determine whether a victim lives or dies.

Riders learn how to control bleeding, manage shock, secure the scene, and interact effectively with emergency services. His goal? To transform motorcyclists into capable first responders, ensuring that they can provide immediate and informed assistance until professional help arrives. Slider’s presentations have educated thousands of riders in nearly every state, instilling a sense of confidence and preparedness in the motorcycle community.

Beyond the Crash Scene: Addressing Emotional Trauma

But Slider’s commitment to motorcycle safety goes beyond crash scenes and emergency response. He has also been a member of the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team in Northwest Iowa since 1993, serving 17 counties. In this role, he helps counsel first responders and ambulance personnel after particularly disturbing EMS calls, guiding them through the emotional aftermath of high-stress situations. Slider’s work with CISM is a testament to his holistic understanding of trauma—not just the physical damage of accidents, but the psychological toll they take on the people who respond to them.

Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges

In a world that often views bikers and EMTs as coming from opposing camps, Slider has become a vital bridge, breaking down stereotypes and building trust through education. His classes provide a thoughtful forum for interaction between two groups who might otherwise see each other with suspicion. Riders walk away with a greater appreciation for the challenges faced by emergency personnel, and EMTs gain insight into the unique needs and dynamics of motorcycle crashes. Through these exchanges, Slider has helped foster a more collaborative and empathetic approach to motorcycle safety.

A Legacy of Life-Saving Education

Today, Slider remains one of the most respected voices in motorcyclist emergency training. His programs have become the gold standard for motorcycle trauma education across the country, and his tireless work has saved countless lives. Whether he’s standing in front of a room full of EMTs, giving a seminar to riders at a rally, or counseling a shaken paramedic after a difficult call, Slider’s dedication to safety, education, and understanding is unwavering.

For more than three decades, Dick “Slider” Gilmore has blended the worlds of motorcycling and emergency services, leaving a legacy of life-saving education and a safer ride for us all. When it comes to protecting the lives of motorcyclists, both on and off the road, few have done more—or ridden farther—than Slider.