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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.
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