Accidents
If you were
involved in a motoring accident, your actions and reactions could either save
or endanger a life.
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Don't panic. You can help yourself and others more if you remain calm.
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Assess the situation - is there any immediate danger?
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Make use of any passers-by to call for help or comfort the injured.
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Do not move casualties unless absolutely necessary. Possibly in immediate danger from fire
or other traffic.
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If a lorry is involved, look out for the diamond-shaped hazardous
chemical sign.
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Motor ways. Emergency telephones are situated every mile, look for
signposts every 100 yards.
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Dial 999. Give as many details as possible : the location of the
accident, the number of the casualties, the type and seriousness of the
accident.
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Fractures, whiplash, spinal injuries : support the injury, making use of
any blankets, rolled-up coats or
handbags to hand.
Scenarios :
1. A collision takes
place between a girl on a bicycle and a car. You find that the girl's legs are
caught up in the bicycle. They are in a funny position, but do not appear to be
bleeding. Support the legs without moving them and do NOT allow the child to
wriggle free. Until the extent of the injuries are known no movement should be
made.
2. Two cars have
crashed on a dual carriageway, each with only one driver. One is trapped by the
feet and the other complains of pains in the neck. Support their injuries
without moving them from their cars. Never move a victim of severe jarring.
3. You see a
motorcyclist collide with a tree. When you reach him he is conscious and
complains of severe pain in both shoulders and one leg. He is wearing a crash
helmet. Tell him not to move, support his leg and head and do NOT remove his
helmet (unless vomiting or is having difficulty breathing). Other action could
cause tragic results.
4. A woman has gone
through the windscreen of her car. She is bleeding profusely from cuts on her
face and neck. Use a clean cloth to press firmly on the wounds, making sure to avoid
pressing on any glass. Do NOT tie a bandage round the victim's neck! This could
cut off the oxygen/blood supply to the brain.