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Deal with the immediate danger.
Fire and further collisions are the immediate dangers
after a crash.
Any vehicles involved in the crash should be approached
with care. If it is safe to do so, turn off all engines, and alert oncoming
traffic to the danger ahead.
Do not allow anyone to smoke; there could be inflammable
substances present.
Get Assistance. Attempt to get the help of any bystanders.
Ensure the relevant
emergency services are called as soon as possible. They will require the
precise location and the number of casualties and vehicles involved in the
incident.
Help for those involved.
Do not move casualties who remain in their vehicles,
unless they are in danger by doing so. Never remove a motorcyclist’s helmet
unless deemed necessary.
Casualties may be suffering from shock so must not be
given food or drink.
Try and keep them warm and comfortable but avoid
unnecessary movements.
Try not to leave them alone they may wander off, and give
them plenty of reassurance.
Provide the necessary emergency care. Before caring for
the casualties you should ensure you are not putting yourself in danger.
Is the casualty responsive, ask them questions and if
necessary shake them gently by the shoulders. Ensure normal breathing and
that their airways are not blocked and are kept open.
If necessary place a hand on their forehead and two
fingers from the other hand under the chin and gently tilt the head
backwards.
Check to ensure breathing normally for up to 10 seconds if
necessary. If they are not breathing correctly compressions should be
administered to keep circulation going. This is done by placing both hands
in the centre of the chest and pressing down approximately 4cm to 5cm at a
rate of about 100 compressions per minute. This should be done for about 30
compressions then the head should be tilted back gently, the casualty's
nostrils pinched together and two breaths of about one second administered
with your mouth over theirs. Then repeat the process until normal breathing
resumes.
If the casualty is a child it may only be necessary to use
one hand for the compressions, and use gentler breaths for small children.
If the casualty is breathing but unconscious, place them
in the recovery position if safe to do so until medical assistance arrives.
If there is bleeding, first check if there are any objects
in the wound.
If the wound is clear of objects apply firm pressure over
the wound. If there are objects embedded in the wound do not press them, and
build up padding around the object. If a first aid kit is available fasten a
pad to the wound with a bandage.
If not using the cleanest materials available fasten a
makeshift pad to the wound with cloth, this may mean ripping up clothing.
If limbs are not broken but are bleeding, lift them above
the level of the heart to reduce blood loss. If blood circulation is
restricted for more than a short length of time long-term injuries could
occur.
If there are burns do not remove anything that may be
stuck to it. The burn should be cooled if possible by dousing it in clean
cold water for at least 10 minutes.
You can be prepared for accidents. Carry a first
aid kit. Lives could be saved by learning first aid and emergency aid from a
qualified organisation. Some qualified organisations that can help
in this are the St John's Ambulance
Association and Brigade, St Andrew's Ambulance
Association, the British Red Cross,
your local ambulance service or other qualified bodies. |
