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 Road traffic collision Procedure • Park your car, switch on your hazard lights and call the emergency services. Be sure to park safely and ensure your car does not present a hazard of its own. Call the relevant services for the accident ie Police, Fire or Ambulance • Secure the scene by Setting up a warning triangle about 45m from the accident. This is a recognised way of warning other drivers of an upcoming accident. • Before approaching the accident check for possible dangers. Dont become a victim yourself. Common hazards are spilt fuel, smoke, steam and hot liquids, glass, sharp edges, hazardous substances and unstable vehicles • If is safe to do so secure vehicles by turning off the ignitions which will reduce risk to casualties, yourself and onlookers • When treating casualites you need to protise who to treat first. The first priority should be the casualty who is silent and may be unconcious. CPR on Adults If an adult is not breathing normally, you must call an ambulance then start cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which is a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths.
3. Continue with cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until emergency help arrives. How do you check if someone is injured? It is important to talk to anyone who might be injured. Reassure and comfort them, and ask them about their injury – where it hurts and how they think they got it. You should also check the casualty from head to toe for injuries, particularly if they are not able to tell you what is wrong. If the injured person is wearing a motorcycle helmet, should I remove it? It depends on the condition of the injured person. If they are conscious and responding to you, do not remove the helmet, as they might have a neck or spinal injury, which could be damaged further by removing the helmet. However, if the person is unconscious and not responding, it is very difficult to assess whether they are breathing without removing the helmet. If the person is not breathing and you need to breathe for them by delivering rescue breaths, you will have to remove the helmet carefully first. Try not to jerk the helmet, but remove it as gently as you can. Follow the advice given in the How to resuscitate section. If a cyclist or pedestrian is lying in the road, should I move them? Try to avoid moving the injured person until you have assessed their injuries. Ask bystanders to stop the traffic by signalling to drivers from the pavement. If you suspect that the injured person has a neck or back injury, you must not move them unless absolutely necessary – that is, in immediate danger, such as from fire. Should I take an injured person out of a car or should I treat them in it? It depends on the accident scene and the condition of the person. For example, if there is a risk of fire, you may have to move the person to a place of safety. However, many conditions can be treated while the person remains in the car, and there are some conditions where it is advisable to leave the person in the car until the ambulance arrives. For example, a person with neck and spinal injuries should only be moved if absolutely necessary. If you are able, ensure their airway is open by tilting the head back and lifting the chin while they are sitting in the car. If someone is in the car in an awkward position, try to get behind them and put your hands on either side of their face with your fingertips on the angle of the jaw. Gently lift the jaw to open the airway. Take care not to tilt the casualty’s neck. If the person is unconscious and requires C.P.R (chest compressions and rescue breathing), it will work more effectively if the person is laying flat on a hard surface. In this situation, you should first move the person from the car. What should I do if the person goes into shock at the roadside? Shock can occur when someone loses a lot of blood. It is dangerous as it prevents the brain and other organs from getting the oxygen they need to function. Lay the person down, preferably somewhere dry. If possible, lay a coat or blanket on the ground first as this will help to reduce heat loss. Treat the injury and raise the person’s legs. Cover the casualty with a coat or blanket to keep them warm. If I treat an injured person, will I get sued if I do something wrong? By giving first aid to a person, you owe them a duty of care to carry out that first aid in accordance with your knowledge, training and experience. While each situation will depend upon its particular circumstances, so long as you do your best to exercise that duty of care, it is highly unlikely that a successful claim could be made against you. How can I reduce the risk of infection from touching blood or giving mouth to mouth? Avoid contact with the person’s blood if possible. If you have access to gloves, wear them. Wash your hands thoroughly if you suspect you have been in direct contact with an injured person’s blood or other body fluids. If possible, apply pressure to the casualty’s wound using something waterproof, such as a plastic bag. Alternatively, see if the casualty can apply pressure to their own wound. The risk of getting an infection from giving mouth to mouth is very slim. If you have access to a face shield, a barrier device that can be used to reduce the risk of infection, use it, especially if there is evidence of blood around the person’s mouth. If you are unwilling or unable to give rescue breaths, just give chest compressions. |
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