Car accidents: Not panic and do these 12 steps to get over

An auto accident can strike anytime and when it’s your loved ones that will important. Better chances of survival from accident trauma are what first aid on the road is about! Let Philkotse.com help you to have a better approach to car accidents.

Emergency first aid the vanguard of life on the road

Suppose on an otherwise ordinary day which will become critical very fast! The reason for this is that there is a road emergency with no EMTs on the way. The traffic is bad with a critical situation happening fast.

What should be done when faced with such a predicament? One answer is first aid for accidents on the road so that some assistance would be given as soon as possible.

Suppose on an otherwise ordinary day which will become critical very fast!

This is one of the grim realities that would usually be rushing to the nearest hospital will be problematic because of traffic in the metro. One of the alternatives is stopping the car and stabilizing the sufferer's condition then going to the hospital later!

What is needed for emergency first aid?

First of all, there are portable kits available in drug stores that have every basic equipment included. These first aid kits should be placed in the car when needed. Always keep it in your car or improvise should it not be available at the moment. What is included in a first aid kit?

• Bandages
• Sterile tape
• Gauze tape
• Medicines

How should motorists react in road accidents needing emergency first aid?

Motorists should secure themselves and their car before rushing to the scene of the accident or tending to their own situation. The one applying the first aid should be calm and composed, even if everyone is going into hysterics.

Motorists should secure themselves and their car before rushing to the scene of the accident or tending to their own situation

Assessing what kind of first aid is needed then giving it to the victim asap! Once the accident victim is stable and secure until the real EMTs arrive. Giving first aid is only a stop-gap, but it secures all accident victims until they are rushed by ambulances or EMTs.

>>> Read more: 7 must-know tips for every Pinoy driver to avoid car accidents.

A detailed approach on how to assist injured individuals, if there aren’t any EMTs yet!

This outline is the basic first aid that should be given to accident victims by other motorists or concerned individuals. If a kit is not available, then it should be improvised.

Step #1. First one on the scene of the accident

Secure yourself by pulling over and checking if there is no other immediate danger before leaving the car. Get the first aid kit or anything that can be used if there are few first aid items available! Push the hazard lights and install the early warning device before leaving the car. Grab the mobile and don’t forget a power bank in case it needs charging.

Secure yourself by pulling over and checking if there is no other immediate danger before leaving the car

Step #2. Ask for others to contact emergency services

If your mobile isn’t postpaid asking someone who knows the emergency number to call for EMT assistance. Proceed to the accident scene while waiting, every second count for life-saving first aid.

Step #3. Assess the nature of the accident

Is it just a car accident or is there more than one car or motorcycle involved. Scoot over and check if there is only one victim or several. If more than one victim is involved, then ask assistance from someone in the crowd. Doing it solo may not be enough when getting into action.

Step #4. See who is gravely injured or mildly injured in the accident scene

Do a mental checklist and note who needs the most attention, in the quickest time possible.  Ask your volunteer to help secure those mildly injured while tending to those in dire need of first aid.

Do a mental checklist and note who needs the most attention, in the quickest time possible

>>> Check out: Top 5 causes of road accidents in the Philippines.

Step #5. Prioritize whom to give first aid before anything else

A quick mental appraisement of the most critical victim is needed to save his or her life. Quick decisions are needed to give treatment to the most severe victim, or they will go into shock! Minor injuries should be treated to follow immediate action is needed for worse off victims.

Step #6. Handle the injured with caution to prevent further injury

Never move an injured individual because it might make it worse. Broken bones or internal bleeding will be worse without steadying the victim’s already bad condition.

Step #7. If someone is not breathing, then apply CPR as soon as possible

Once a victim stops breathing and loses alertness it will lead to shock and breathing will be hard for them. Apply CPR on them, with sequential breaths that will help them regain consciousness. 

Step #8. Move an injured person when really needed

Leaving victims wedged in cars because they are severely injured and limbs are stuck in the wreckage. The only time to take them out is when there’s a danger of fire.

Leaving victims wedged in cars because they are severely injured and limbs are stuck in the wreckage

>>> Related articles: Every driver’s rights and must-dos during a car accident in the Philippines.

Step #9. Motorcycle or cycling victims of accidents on two wheels have special considerations

First off, remove the rider's helmet and check If they are still breathing. Pull the ruined motorcycle from them and check for other injuries. Patch them up and check if they can be moved. Riders suffer broken pelvises that needs them to be immobilized until an EMT arrive

Step #10. Try to prevent further bleeding of any accident victim

There are some injuries that cause bleeding by stabbing by solid objects or broken bones that pierce the flesh. Don’t ever move them and cover the open wound with clean bandages or linen dipped in alcohol to reduce infection. Applying pressure with a tourniquet will lessen bleeding from open wounds.

Step #11. What to do with hit and run victims?

Go check if they are still alive and kicking, but don’t move them because of possible unseen injuries. Secure them by immobilizing them and waiting for help to come. Apply CPR is they lose alertness.

Step #12. Report to the EMT when they arrive!

Relate the EMT team what you’ve done and who needs the most care from them. When everything is done, give yourself a pat on the back for a civic duty well done. That’s hypothetical but learning first aid treatment may save your loved ones, especially if on the road with them!

Relate the EMT team what you’ve done and who needs the most care from them

>>> Very important to you: On being alert: 5 Essential Tips to Avoid Car Accidents.

Final thoughts

Like Murphy’s law when an accident happens, it will happen no matter what! Filipino drivers stand a better chance to survive because first aid for accidents on the road can be given while waiting for emergency medical treatment (EMT) teams.

Lack of immediate EMT is critical in the metro that will facilitate the need for emergency first aid on the spot. Driver’s with first aid knowledge can help road emergencies if they can. Whether we admit it or not there is a need emergency first aid because EMTs rarely rush to accident scenes.