What To Do As The First Responder At An Accident

By Author: Hafiz Hakam
Total Articles: 4762
Comment this article

In any accident situation, most untrained individuals will automatically run to the scene without concern for their own safety. The main thought is, understandably, to help the person in need. However, as you will learn, the scene of an accident is no place to rush around without thought.

How you react from the moment you reach the scene will determine whether you're part of the problem or part of the solution. Many would-be saviors have ended up victims while trying to help. If you are ever at the scene of an accident when it occurs, or come upon the accident later, here are a few guidelines to help you, and the victim, stay safe:

#1. Stop and Observe
No matter what type of accident it is, always stop and look around before running to help the injured individual. Pay attention to possible downed power lines, broken gas mains, and gasoline or diesel spills. Hazardous materials are also a possibility; some chemicals can kill with one breath.

Taking the time to observe and assess the situation may be hard, depending on the condition of the injured individual, but it is extremely necessary. Remember ...
... that you can't help if you get hurt while trying to save someone.

#2. Assessment
Once you are aware of the area around you and are assured it's safe, try to figure how serious the victim's injuries are and dial 911. If the individual is awake and aware, try to get as much information as you can so you can answer the questions of the 911 dispatcher. If the victim is not conscious, immediately call 911 before looking them over.

If the area is not safe…
Although it's hard to see someone lying in a pool of chemicals, blood or in many other unsafe situations, do not approach. Immediately dial 911, stay calm and describe the situation. Staying calm is paramount. The dispatcher may give you instructions and you have to be clear-headed enough to follow them.

#3. First Aid
Even untrained first responders can provide the necessary help to keep an injured individual alive. Unless absolutely necessary, do not move the victim. While waiting for the emergency providers to arrive look the victim over and use "A-B-C-D":

Airway †If the victim is unconscious, check their airway and make sure it's clear of obstruction. If there is a problem and their tongue is in the way, lift the chin carefully. If they're on their back and fluids are filling their mouth, very carefully turn the victim on their side, keeping the back and neck as straight as possible.

Breathing †Sometimes the airway is clear, but the injured individual is still not breathing. In this case, you may need to perform artificial respiration.
Circulation †If the person is bleeding profusely, you may need to control it with a tourniquet, direct pressure or elevating the bleeding area. You will also want to check for a pulse. If there is none, you may need to perform CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Respiration).

Delicate central nervous system †As mentioned above, do not move the injured person unless absolutely necessary. Especially after an injury caused by impact, moving the neck and lower back can cause severe problems, such as paralysis, or even death.

#4. Stay With the Victim
At any time, an unconscious victim can wake, confused and disoriented. During this time, they can do irreparable harm to themselves. If possible, stay with them until the paramedics arrive.

Although no one can truly prepare for an accident, having a well-stocked first aid kit on hand at all times is a good start. Make sure you know how to use it. For further preparation, you might also take CPR and First Aid classes.

The biggest difference between being part of the solution and part of the problem is not to panic. Follow the above guide, no matter what type of accident it is, and stay safe!
What to Do as the First Responder at an Accident

In any accident situation, most untrained individuals will automatically run to the scene without concern for their own safety. The main thought is, understandably, to help the person in need. However, as you will learn, the scene of an accident is no place to rush around without thought.

How you react from the moment you reach the scene will determine whether you're part of the problem or part of the solution. Many would-be saviors have ended up victims while trying to help. If you are ever at the scene of an accident when it occurs, or come upon the accident later, here are a few guidelines to help you, and the victim, stay safe:

#1. Stop and Observe
No matter what type of accident it is, always stop and look around before running to help the injured individual. Pay attention to possible downed power lines, broken gas mains, and gasoline or diesel spills. Hazardous materials are also a possibility; some chemicals can kill with one breath.

Taking the time to observe and assess the situation may be hard, depending on the condition of the injured individual, but it is extremely necessary. Remember that you can't help if you get hurt while trying to save someone.

#2. Assessment
Once you are aware of the area around you and are assured it's safe, try to figure how serious the victim's injuries are and dial 911. If the individual is awake and aware, try to get as much information as you can so you can answer the questions of the 911 dispatcher. If the victim is not conscious, immediately call 911 before looking them over.

If the area is not safe…
Although it's hard to see someone lying in a pool of chemicals, blood or in many other unsafe situations, do not approach. Immediately dial 911, stay calm and describe the situation. Staying calm is paramount. The dispatcher may give you instructions and you have to be clear-headed enough to follow them.

#3. First Aid
Even untrained first responders can provide the necessary help to keep an injured individual alive. Unless absolutely necessary, do not move the victim. While waiting for the emergency providers to arrive look the victim over and use "A-B-C-D":

Airway †If the victim is unconscious, check their airway and make sure it's clear of obstruction. If there is a problem and their tongue is in the way, lift the chin carefully. If they're on their back and fluids are filling their mouth, very carefully turn the victim on their side, keeping the back and neck as straight as possible.

Breathing †Sometimes the airway is clear, but the injured individual is still not breathing. In this case, you may need to perform artificial respiration.
Circulation †If the person is bleeding profusely, you may need to control it with a tourniquet, direct pressure or elevating the bleeding area. You will also want to check for a pulse. If there is none, you may need to perform CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Respiration).

Delicate central nervous system †As mentioned above, do not move the injured person unless absolutely necessary. Especially after an injury caused by impact, moving the neck and lower back can cause severe problems, such as paralysis, or even death.

#4. Stay With the Victim
At any time, an unconscious victim can wake, confused and disoriented. During this time, they can do irreparable harm to themselves. If possible, stay with them until the paramedics arrive.

Although no one can truly prepare for an accident, having a well-stocked first aid kit on hand at all times is a good start. Make sure you know how to use it. For further preparation, you might also take CPR and First Aid classes.

The biggest difference between being part of the solution and part of the problem is not to panic. Follow the above guide, no matter what type of accident it is, and stay safe!
About Author:
Visit CPR AED Course.com and learn about the cpr classes and first aid courses available for just $19.95. For more information visit online today.