Know what to do at an accident scene
This is what you should do when encountering a road-related incident
Accidents happen very fast and without much warning. Do you know what do if you are involved in one?
ER24 urges people to make sure they are prepared and know what to do when involved in an accident or collision.
The following guidelines should be of help if you encounter a road-related incident:
– If you are involved in an accident, move your vehicle to a safe area to avoid further incidents, if possible. It is important to stay at the scene – do not flee.
– Report the incident to the police station within 24 hours and make sure all relevant details are exchanged between you and the other driver (name, address, registration number and driver’s licence details).
– The most important thing is to stay calm. Assess the situation and decide on the best way to handle it. Make use of hazard lights and emergency triangles to avoid further accidents. Ensure the traffic flow does not pose a danger to anyone at the accident scene.
– Ask the following questions to determine the nature or extent of the incident – is everyone that travelled with you accounted for? Are there any injuries? Is anyone trapped in a vehicle? Is there a fire? Are patients lying on the road?
– You should either instruct someone to call emergency service immediately, or, if you are able, do so yourself. Ensure you always have all emergency contacts saved on your phone. ER24 has a dedicated emergency contact centre – 084 124 – where emergency assistance can be requested telephonically.
– You should always have a first-aid kit in your vehicle. Where first-aid is needed – if you are able to do so – start immediately. If a person is unconscious, but breathing, leave him in the position you found him in, and monitor his condition. If there is no sign of breathing – and you have been trained –administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
– If a person is wounded and bleeding heavily, use gauze, sterile dressings, towels, t-shirts or blankets to apply continued pressure to the wound.
– An injured person should never be moved unless absolutely necessary.
– Use a fire extinguisher if a fire breaks out. You should always have an extinguisher in your vehicle, and know how to use it.
– Do not jeopardise your own safety while assisting a patient – you will not be of any use if you are injured yourself.
– Always wear gloves when assisting an injured person to avoid coming into contact with blood.
– Children should be kept safe and under supervision on an accident scene until help arrives.
ER24 spokesperson, Chitra Bodasing Harduth concluded by saying, “If you are a passing motorist, pay attention to the road ahead, slow down and drive cautiously. If you stop to assist patients, ensure that you stop your vehicle in a safe area where you do not pose further danger or an obstruction. Everyone should go for first aid and CPR courses.”
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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