What SHOULD you do when you come across an accident?
Your adrenaline starts pumping, but you need to stay focused on how to help in the best way possible
IT is a heart-wrenching experience: You’re driving along and an accident occurs – but before panic sets in you need to try to remember that as the first person on the scene the way in which you react could be the difference between life and death.
We got some sound advice from Chris Botha.
He’s the media liaison officer for Netcare 911 and through years of experience in one of the most stressful careers, he knows what he’s talking about.
‘The biggest problem is that one could become another victim, or even cause harm to those in need of assistance,’ he says.
It’s happened – now what?
‘The very first thing is to ensure the safety of you and your family.
‘So immediately hit your hazard lights and pull off the roadway and park in such a manner that you are not in any danger of being hit by another vehicle.
‘Try to stop on the same side as the accident , and don’t run across the road, because you could become a pedestrian statistic.’
Chris says that you should remember that other people on the road will be ‘rubbernecking’ and won’t be concentrating as they should be.
ALSO READ: Rush hour accidents cause John Ross delays
Call for help
He says the first thing to do after you have assessed if there are injuries is to call for medical assistance.
‘Remember to speak clearly and give exact details of where you are , how many patients are injured, and the severity of their injuries.
‘This will ensure that the correct resources are sent to the scene.’
Protect those involved in the accident – and yourself – from further injury.
Ask pedestrians on scene to flag down motorists and keep traffic flowing – congestion will prevent emergency vehicles from reaching the scene and could be the difference between life and death
Don’t touch – unless necessary
Chris says that unless absolutely necessary – for example the vehicle is on fire – you should not pull the patients from the vehicle or move them around.
‘Remember that with the impact caused in a car accident, there is a possibility that the person has spinal injuries.’
Stem the bleeding
‘It is very important that if a patient is bleeding, you stop it as soon as possible, and this is best done by applying pressure to the wound.’
Protect yourself!
Chris says that if you do not have gloves, you can always instruct the patient to put direct pressure on the wound themselves if they are able to follow instructions.
‘If not you can use a peace of clean cloth, or a piece of clothing to make a pressure bandage.
‘Remember to keep the patients calm and repeatedly reassure them that help is on the way.’
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
