Sundaymail Editor
It just might be that one day you are the first person to arrive at an accident scene or you may be involved in a road accident, but uninjured. Would you know what to do? Proper medical attention and first aid on time helps to save lives during accidents. We are going to look at each of these life-saving steps that can help a road accident victim.
Arriving at the accident scene
The first thing you need to know when you come across a road accident is whether the scene is safe to enter and accessible before attempting to render first aid. This is to ensure your safety first before helping the casualties. Make sure that you have alerted oncoming traffic that an accident has taken place. This is so that you ensure your own safety first before helping the victim. This prevents further casualties.
Switch off ignition
Your next step would be to turn off the vehicle ignition as there might be spilled fuel or other fire hazards. If this is not the case, then make sure to turn on the hazard lights.
Shift the victim to a safer area by the road, away from oncoming traffic, glass pieces and leaking fluids from the vehicle or any other harmful material close by.
Check for injuries
If you have been injured in the accident, check yourself first for any injuries or bleeding.
If others are injured, assess the extent of their injuries. Look for any bleeding in the head, neck, arms, legs, abdomen and other parts of the body.
Call ambulance services
Immediately call for an emergency ambulance or emergency medical services to inform them about the incident. Ask their advice to resuscitate and rush the victims to the nearest medical facility.
Check for obstructions
in mouth or throat
If the victim has stopped breathing, check his mouth for any obstruction. Use your index and middle finger to remove the obstruction and to clear the airway.
Perform life-saving techniques
If there is no pulse and the victim is unresponsive and not breathing, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately. Place the victim’s body in the recovery position, keep the neck straight and then proceed with CPR.
Treat bleeding wounds
Bleeding can be stopped by applying continuous pressure to the open wound using a clean cloth or soft pad. Press down with your palms and treat the fracture.
Dealing with spinal injuries (Always suspect spinal injuries)
Neck and spinal injuries are expected in a road accident. If the victim is unconscious or the neck is not normally placed, it is best to not move the victim unless they are in immediate danger.
Rough handling or moving the victim with suspected neck and spinal injuries can cause more harm.
Make sure that the victim’s head, neck and back are treated with great care and are not jerked around.
Place wooden blocks on either side of the neck. If this is not possible, make sure that nobody moves the victim by shaking them to stay awake.
Keep the victim warm
Victims feel excessive cold after the accident due to shock. Therefore, keeping them warm is crucial for their survival.
Use a jacket, a pullover or whatever is available on the scene. — Wires.
Online Reporter