ER24’s advice on reacting to accidents

ER24 has given more details on what you should do, in the event that you’re involved in an accident.

Should you be involved in a ‘crash’, it’s best to know what you should and shouldn’t be doing.

ER24 urges people to be prepared.

Below are some tips to help you, should you encounter a road-related incident.

• If you’re involved in a collision, stop the vehicle.

That’s in cases where you’re uninjured or have sustained minor injuries – and assuming that the vehicle is still in working order, in cases of bumper bashings etc.

•Do not leave/flee the scene.

Get your vehicle to a safe area on the side of the road if possible, to avoid further possible incidents.

• Give your name and address, the name and address of the owner of the vehicle where necessary – as well as the registration number and your driver’s licence details, when required to do so.

Report the incident at a police station within 24 hours.

Read: Road closes for two hours due to accident

• While on the scene of a collision, try to stay calm.

Assess the situation to determine the best way to handle it.

Make use of hazard lights and an emergency triangle to alert passing motorists.

• Ascertain the nature, or extent of the accident.

Is everyone who was travelling in your vehicle accounted for?

Are people who were travelling in the vehicle you were, injured at all?

Are people in other vehicles involved in the collision injured?

Are people trapped in vehicles?

Is there a fire?

Are people lying on the road?

• Call emergency services immediately, or instruct someone to do so immediately.

You should always have important contact details, such as emergency services and the SAPS, stored on your phone.

ER24 has a dedicated 24/7 Emergency Contact Centre that enables you to request an emergency vehicle telephonically.

Call 084 124 in case of an emergency.

• Where first aid is needed, start immediately if you’re able to do so.

You should always carry a first aid kit in your vehicle.

Read: On the road in wet weather? Be cautious – ER24

If a patient you are with is unconscious, open their mouth to check if there’s something inside that is causing an obstruction.

• Check if the person is breathing.

If the patient is breathing, leave them in the position you found them in and monitor them.

If the patient isn’t breathing and you’ve been trained to do so, initiate CPR.

If a wounded person is bleeding heavily, take gauze or sterile dressings from the first aid kit and place it on the wound.

If gauze or sterile dressings aren’t available, use a towel, t-shirt or blanket.

Press the gauze or other material tightly, applying direct pressure to the wound.

Maintain that pressure until emergency services arrive.

Don’t stop pressing to check if there’s continued bleeding, or to look at the wound.

• Never move an injured person unless for their own safety (for example, if the vehicle is on fire, or if there are other threats).

Remember that moving a person could make their condition worse.

• If there’s a fire, use a fire extinguisher.

You should always carry a fire extinguisher in your vehicle and also know how to use it.

Remember that while it’s important to assist a patient, you should also ensure your safety.

• Don’t attempt anything that may jeopardise your own safety.

You’re of no use to anyone if you’re injured, while attempting to help others.

Also remember, never touch a person’s blood or try to assist them without proper protection, such as gloves.

If you’re 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 don’t pose further danger or an obstruction.

Everyone should go for first aid and CPR courses.