First aid for road accident victims: what every citizen needs to know

By Cristiano Antonino On Feb 11, 2022

First aid to be known: it might just be that one day you are the first person to arrive at the scene of an accident, or you might be involved in a road accident but unharmed. Would you know what to do?

While a lack of proper roads, distractions and negligent driving may be partly to blame for this high fatality rate, a large proportion of these deaths can be attributed to the fact that most victims do not receive proper medical care and first aid in time.

We will examine each of these life-saving steps that can help a road accident victim.

Arriving at the scene of the accident, before first aid

When you come across a car accident, the first thing you need to know is whether the scene is safe to enter and accessible before attempting first aid.

This is to ensure your safety before helping the victims.

Check for injuries

If you were injured in the accident, check yourself first for any injuries or bleeding.

If others are injured, assess the extent of their injuries.

Look for bleeding in the head, neck, arms, legs, abdomen and other parts of the body.

Call ambulance services: the arrival of the ambulance makes all the difference

Call an emergency ambulance or emergency medical services (EMS) immediately to inform them of the accident.

Ask the EMS operator for advice on resuscitating and taking victims to the nearest medical facility.

Check for obstructions in the mouth or throat.

If the victim has stopped breathing, check that their mouth is not obstructed.

Use your index and middle fingers to remove the obstruction and clear the airway.

Perform life-saving techniques

If there is no pulse and the victim is unresponsive and not breathing, perform CPR immediately.

Place the victim’s body in the recovery position, keep the neck straight, then proceed with CPR.

First aid: treating bleeding wounds

A clean cloth or soft pad can stop bleeding by applying continuous pressure to the open wound.

Press with the palms of the hands and treat the fracture.

Treat spinal injuries (always suspect spinal injuries)

In a car accident, injuries to the neck and spine are expected.

If the victim is unconscious or the neck is not positioned normally, it is best not to move the victim unless in immediate danger.

Handling or moving the victim with suspected neck and spinal injuries may cause more damage.

Important in first aid: keep the victim warm

Victims experience intense cold after the accident due to shock.

Therefore, keeping them warm is crucial for their survival.

Use a jacket, pullover or whatever is available at the scene.

To prevent the incidence of fatal road accidents in the country, we need to know how to deal with road accidents.

Attend a first aid course to learn the basics of first aid.

Find out how to save lives with simple skills you can learn in just a few hours.

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Source:

First Aid Brisbane