Dos and Don’ts after a road accident

You are at an accident scene. What do you do?

The answer to this question could mean the difference between life and death for the victim.

Road accidents are an unfortunate reality of modern life, and they can happen to anyone, anytime, and anywhere. In the immediate aftermath of a road accident, the first few minutes can be crucial in saving someone’s life. First aid can make a big difference in these situations, but it’s important to know what to do and what not to do.

In this blog, we will discuss the dos and don’ts of first aid after a road accident.

First the DOs:

Call for emergency medical assistance:

The first and most important thing to do after a road accident is to call for medical assistance. Dial the emergency number (112) or ambulance (108) and inform them about the accident and the location. Be specific about the location and try to give as much detail as possible.

Check for danger:

Before approaching the accident site, make sure that it’s safe to do so. Check for any potential danger such as oncoming traffic, leaking fuel, or damaged electrical wires. If the area is not safe, wait for the emergency services to arrive.

Provide immediate first aid:

If it’s safe to approach the accident site, provide immediate first aid to those in need. If someone is bleeding, apply pressure on the wound with a clean cloth. If someone is not breathing, perform CPR. If someone is unconscious, check for their breathing and pulse and place them in the recovery position.

Recovery position: Place the person’s left arm away from the body. Turn the person on to his/ her left side. Draw the right knee up so leg is bent and place the right hand below the left cheek.

Keep the injured person warm and comfortable:

In case of severe injuries, keep the injured person warm and comfortable. Cover them with a blanket or jacket to keep them warm.

Provide emotional support:

Road accidents can be traumatic, and the injured person may be in a state of shock. Provide emotional support to the injured person and reassure them that help is on the way.

DON’Ts

Don’t move the injured person:

Unless it’s absolutely necessary, do not move the injured person. Moving the injured person can make their injuries worse and can cause further damage. If the injured person needs to be moved, do so only under the guidance of medical professionals.

Don’t remove any objects:

If the injured person has any objects such as debris, glass, or metal in their body, do not try to remove them. Removing such objects can cause further damage and bleeding. Wait for medical professionals to arrive and let them handle it.

Don’t give anything to eat or drink:

If the injured person is conscious, do not give them anything to eat or drink. They may need to undergo surgery, and giving them anything to eat or drink can interfere with the anaesthesia.

Don’t panic:

In the aftermath of a road accident, it’s easy to panic. However, panicking can make the situation worse. Stay calm and focused, and follow the dos and don’ts of first aid.

Don’t leave the accident site:

Once you have called for emergency medical assistance, do not leave the accident site. Stay with the injured person until medical professionals arrive.

Knowing the dos and don’ts of first aid after a road accident can help you provide effective first aid and prevent further damage to the injured person. Always remember to stay calm and focused. Your quick and effective response can make all the difference in saving someone’s life.

In case of any medical emergency, contact Sri Naadi Hospital. Our emergency services are available 24×7 to assist every person in need of medical assistance.