|
Road Accidents
All decisions must be made quickly and
calmly and the order in which you act is vital.
Priorities are:
- to protect the scene from further
accident.
- to get professional help fast.
- to aid the victims.
Protect the scene
- Organise bystanders to warn traffic coming
from both directions and position a car with hazard warning lights 200 yards from the
scene.
- Switch off the ignition of the vehicles
involved to prevent fire.
Get help fast
Send for medical services, the police, and remember to say if cutting equipment is needed
e.g., if someone is trapped. Dial your local emergency services telephone number.
Aid the victims
- DON'T move a victim unless there is
a danger of fire or further accident. (If the victim must be moved, move as a total unit,
supporting the neck).
- DON'T give anything to eat or
drink. It may cause vomiting or suffocation or delay vital hospital surgery.
- DO check for unconsciousness. If heart and breathing cease, begin
the A-B-C of resuscitation.
- DO keep the casualty warm with
coats, rugs, newspapers or whatever is available.
- DO stay with the victim and
reassure him until professional help arrives.
|
