Nobody likes to think of it happening, but statistics shockingly show that nearly 500 people are injured in car crashes every day in the UK. It could well be you who is first on the scene of an accident, before the emergency services arrive. Would you know what to do?
A recent survey has revealed that 84% of people think drivers should be trained in how to deal with the aftermath of a car crash. Here’s a rough guide to dealing with this kind of emergency.
The Legal Position
In the UK, witnesses who are not involved in an accident are not legally obliged to stop – in contrast to France, where failure to render assistance to a person in danger is a criminal offence. However, most of us would like to think that as good citizens we would stop and try to help in such situations.
Your Priorities At An Accident Scene
1. Don’t Add to the Danger
Pull over safely and out of the way; try not to abandon your car in a way which might increase the hazards to yourself or to other drivers. Put on your hazard lights and switch off the engine. Keep children in the car if safe, or in a safe place away from the road with another adult.
2. Call 999
Call the emergency services and give as much detail as you can. However, DO NOT use a mobile phone if the accident involves a vehicle carrying flammable or hazardous materials.
3. Reduce Risk
Switch off all engines. Do not smoke and do not allow anyone else to smoke anywhere near the crashed vehicles. Gather any walking wounded and other witnesses in a safe place nearby. Consider sending volunteers further down the road to warn oncoming traffic, but take great care on fast roads.
4. Assess The Casualties
If you are confident enough to do so, try to render immediate first aid to the most seriously injured. Remember that a casualty who is screaming is quite likely to be less seriously injured than one who is silent or moaning. Do not move any casualty unless there is an immediate risk to their life.
5. Offer Comfort
Even if you are not trained in first aid, you can offer comfort and reassurance to casualties. Use blankets or jackets to keep people warm, and tell them that the emergency services are on their way.
When The Emergency Services Arrive
When the police and ambulances arrive, give them whatever information you can and then allow them to do their jobs. You may still be able to help – for instance by keeping bystanders back from the scene – but do not interfere with the work of the professionals. Stay on the scene until you are told by someone with authority that your help is no longer needed.
Not Feeling Confident?
That all sounds rather scary and daunting, but there are ways you can increase your confidence so that you’re ready to handle an accident if you are unfortunate enough to witness one. Organisations such as Driver First Assist offer specific first aid training for this purpose – which could mean that you could save a life one day.
