Do’s and Don’ts at accident scene

Many people lose their lives on the roads daily, some are injured while others are lucky to escape without any injuries.

General manager of national operations of Netcare 911, Shalen Ramduth, said there are crucial things to avoid doing at an accident scene and stressed, “People at an accident scene should always wait for a medically-trained person. Do not attempt to move injured people.”

Netcare offered the information below on what could be done at an accident scene:

A person who survives an accident should:

• If you have been injured in an accident, first check yourself for any injuries. Try to assess how well you can move your limbs, and if you experience symptoms such as dizziness, wait for a paramedic to give you medical care.

• Immediately call for an ambulance by calling 082 911.

• Do not move any injured people.

• Keep yourself and any other injured person warm.

Paramedics will:

• First assess the extent of all injuries, for example if the person is bleeding from the head, neck, arms legs, abdomen or back.

• Treat the quietest person first, they are usually more seriously injured or cannot breathe. People who can talk or scream, on the other hand, can breathe and therefore can be treated later.

• Ask for a patient’s name, if he or she responds, it means they are able to understand the situation and receive treatment as needed.

• Look for signs of breathing in patients who may be unconscious and check if the person is breathing and if he or she has a pulse and check for obstructions in the person’s mouth and throat.

• Perform life-saving techniques. If there is no pulse, they will start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

• If there is bleeding from the mouth or the patient is vomiting, paramedics will turn the person on his or her side. This will avoid any chances of the person choking.

• If there are extensive wounds, paramedics will try to control the bleeding by applying pressure to the area using a cloth.

Details: www.netcare911.co.za