First on the scene of an accident – What can I do?
Chris Botha, Media Liason Officer at Netcare 911 gave the following tips
MOKOPANE – After witnessing a few accidents Bosveld realised that most people do not know what to do when they are the first to arrive at an accident scene and thus we sought advice from Chris Botha, Media Liason Officer at Netcare 911.
Botha gave the following tips:
• Firstly, and most importantly, phone for an ambulance. (It is important to save an emergency number on your phone.)
• When arriving at the scene stop in such a way preferably off the roadway to ensure your safety.
• Do not pull people from the wreckage of a vehicle, as they could have spinal injuries.
• Stop the bleeding with a compression bandage or direct pressure to the bleeding site.
• It is important to try and stay calm and to reassure the patient(s).
redaksie.bosvelder@nmgroup.co.za
