Getting ASM Certified in Honor of Anthony & Other Fallen Riders

It’s been over two years since Anthony’s life tragically ended as the result of a motorcycle accident. There isn’t a single day that goes by where I don’t think of him. Moments like seeing a motorcyclist ride past on a similar bike or hearing about yet another accident involving a motorcycle in Phoenix bring back both pain and resolve.

Every week, I see or hear about motorcycle accidents on the roads here. Driving up and down the 101 during my work commute reminds me daily of just how vulnerable riders are. My daughter, Baylee, shares similar experiences, having seen several accidents herself, including one involving a motorcycle rider. The constant reminders of such accidents pushed us to take action—not just for peace of mind, but to be better prepared if the unthinkable were to happen.

Recently, Baylee and I got Accident Scene Management (ASM) certified, a powerful step we’ve taken to honor Anthony and all the other motorcyclists who’ve tragically lost their lives. We wanted to share this experience, what we learned, and why this certification could make a vital difference in someone’s life.

Why We Chose to Get Certified

When you witness accidents so frequently, it’s hard not to feel an overwhelming sense of helplessness. For both Baylee and me, the thought of being caught in a similar situation without knowing how to help was frightening.

That’s when I came across a post in the Go Gilbert Facebook Group recommending the Accident Scene Management course. The program teaches motorcyclists and road users essential first aid and scene management skills. After learning about its value, we knew this could be our way to be prepared to help a rider (or any type of vehicle) in need, even if it’s just to make those crucial first moments a little easier for EMS teams.

For us, this certification became about more than just technical skills. It became a tribute to Anthony’s memory and a way to give meaning to the loss felt by so many families of riders.

Anthony was always the first to lend a helping hand, earning his Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification in 2021 and keeping his first aid equipment in his 4Runner so he could always be ready to assist those in need. Every life we might be able to impact connected us to Anthony in a way that felt healing and purposeful.

What Is Accident Scene Management?

Accident Scene Management training equips individuals with the tools to safely manage road accidents involving motorcyclists and others. Offered through organizations like AMSAF, the course covers a range of life-saving skills and actions, such as:

• Scene Safety Assessment – Learning how to control the chaos of an accident scene, avoiding additional injuries.

• Basic First Aid – Practical knowledge to attend to injured individuals and what to keep in your vehicle.

• Helmet Removal – Proper techniques to safely remove a helmet without risking further injury.

• Effective Communication with Emergency Services – Ensuring 911 calls are accurate and efficient to speed up response times.

The skills we learned are invaluable not only for motorcycle-related accidents but for any roadside situation. A lot of what we covered applies universally. This certification builds confidence so that you’re ready to act when seconds count.

What the Class Meant to Us

The ASM class was truly eye-opening. We walked away with more than training—we felt empowered. Understanding the intricacies of accident scene management gave us tools we didn’t realize we lacked. Simple things, like knowing safe helmet removal techniques, can mean the difference between helping someone and potentially adding to their injuries.

The most valuable part of the class was the sense of community it fostered. We weren’t the only ones there motivated by deeply personal losses and traumatic memories. Everyone attending shared a mission to make the roads a safer place for motorcyclists and to honor the riders who couldn’t be there with us.

A Call to Action for Every Road User

Losing loved ones like Anthony changes you. It awakens you to just how fragile life is and how important it is to act when you have the ability.

I urge you to watch out for motorcycles. Give riders the space and respect they deserve on the road. Even the smallest act of caution can prevent an accident and potentially save lives.

But if you’re in a position to do more, I can’t recommend the Accident Scene Management (ASM) class enough. This training not only prepares you to step in during emergencies but also equips you to give families the comfort of knowing someone cared enough to help.

You don’t have to be a medical professional to make a difference. You just need the willingness to act and some basic knowledge.

If you’d like to sign up for an ASM course, you can learn more here: Accident Scene Management Training.

Honoring Riders, Protecting Lives

For Anthony and all the fallen riders we’ve lost, this certification represents hope. Knowledge is a tool that transforms tragedy into action, fear into resolve, and helplessness into strength.

Whether you’re a motorcyclist, a concerned road user, or someone connected to a rider they love, I encourage you to take this step too. The world needs more helpers at every corner. Who knows? The life you save might just be the one of someone who means the world to somebody else.

Thank you, Anthony, for continuing to inspire us to do better. This one’s for you <3