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WHAT  TO  DO  AT  THE  SCENE  OF  AN  ACCIDENT

 

When you first come across an accident, remember that the primary aim is to preserve life. This includes your life, the lives of any casualties and the lives of other road users.

 

• Call the emergency services when you have a good idea of how many casualties there are and if they are breathing. 
• Make sure that it is safe for you to approach. Be aware of your limitations, but if necessary take charge of the accident scene until the emergency services arrive. 
• If the accident is on a busy road, get someone else to help control the traffic. If possible, place a red warning triangle100 meters or yards behind the accident. 
• Check for the existence or possibility of fire. If an engine is running, switch it off if you can. Remove the ignition key and drop it on the car floor. 
• Deal with any casualties that are not breathing or are bleeding severely. 
• Do not move casualties any more than is necessary, unless they are in immediate danger. 

If you are involved in the accident

 

Be aware that your reactions and judgment may be impaired.

• If you have any children with you, try to get them clear of the accident as soon as possible. If they are injured, leave them where they are unless there is a good reason to move them.
• Get help, either by flagging down another vehicle or by using a telephone. If possible let someone else take charge.
• Try to remember what caused the accident as the police will need this information later. Do not leave the scene of the accident unless there is no other way of getting help. 

It may be necessary to take control of the accident scene until the paramedics arrive. Once they arrive, listen to their instructions and let them take over.

 

Making an assessment and calling for help

 

·        Keep calm and controlled and try to assess the situation as swiftly as possible. 

·        Count the member of casualties and try to assess their condition. Check to see if casualties are unconscious and whether or not there is any serious bleeding. 

·        Find a telephone and dial emergency  hotline, or get someone else to do it.  

• Ask for the police and give the location of the accident and, if possible, the number and condition of the casualties. Tell them if anyone is trapped in a vehicle. Give details of any possible hazards. Do not end the call until the control officer clears the line. 

·        If you’re using a landline phone, don't worry if you are unsure of the location- the police will be able to locate the telephone you are using. If you are using a mobile phone, try to describe your surroundings, especially obvious landmarks. The police will contact the other emergency services.

 

Giving basic first aid

 

Casualties should be attended to according to the seriousness of their condition.

 

• Use the treatment that is most likely to benefit the casualty, but follow the 'do no harm' rule. If possible the casualty should be kept still in the position that you find them. 
• First attend to any casualties that are unconscious and not breathing and then to any who are bleeding severely. Next attend to anyone who is unconscious. Then attend to anyone who is conscious with minor injuries. Deal with children first within these criteria.
• Try to make sure that the casualty you are dealing with can breathe freely. Loosen any tight clothing around the neck and chest. If necessary, give artificial respiration. 
• Try to stop any severe bleeding, getting the casualty to help if possible so you can attend to others. 
• Talk to the casualties and keep them reassured that help is on the way. Try to keep bystanders away so that the privacy of the casualties is maintained as far as possible. 

Removing a protective helmet

 

Only remove a motorcycle or bicycle helmet if it absolutely necessary to do so. In most circumstances a helmet is best left on because removing it may cause damage to the casualty's neck.

 

• You may have to remove a helmet in order to give artificial respiration. If there is anyone else around, get them to help you. 
• Make sure that the neck is held carefully aligned with the spine while the helmet is being removed. 
• If the helmet is an open-face type, such as a child's cycle helmet, first unfasten the buckle of the chinstrap, or cut through the strap itself. One person should support the casualty's neck and head with both hands, while the other grasps the rim of the helmet firmly forcing the sides apart. It should then be possible to lift it gently away. 
• If the helmet is a full-face type, first undo or cut the straps. Working from the base of the helmet, one person then eases their fingers under the rim, while the other supports the helmet with both hands. The first person can then support the neck, while holding the lower jaw. The other person tilts the helmet forward slightly so that it can pass over the base of the skull. Finally, the helmet is lifted off the casualty's head. 

Dealing with bystanders

 

Bystanders may be frightened and feel helpless, especially if they have no first-aid training. If you need to ask a bystander to help or to stand back, do so in a firm but gentle way.

 

• An accident scene can be a distressing sight. Try to ensure that children not involved are removed from the scene as soon as possible. Get a responsible adult to help with this if possible. 
• Some bystanders may have witnessed the accident, in which case the police may wish to interview them. Try to ensure that they stay in the vicinity. 

Car safety

 

To minimize the possibility of injury in a car accident, you should always take safety precautions, particularly when travelling with children,

 

• Ensure that all passengers are wearing seat belts of the appropriate type. Small children should be strapped into properly fitted safety chairs or harnesses at all times. They should never be allowed to move around the car freely. Make sure that head restraints are properly adjusted. 
• Make sure that child safety locks on the rear doors are engaged. Do not lock the doors so that they cannot be opened from the outside. 
• Keep a first-aid kit and a small fire extinguisher in the car. 

It's essential to ensure that all car passengers are securely strapped in, especially children and

babies.

 

For  More  Information:  Please  consult  your  physician  on  your  next  visit.