Techniques of Emergency Care: What to Do if You Witness an Accident

Many emergencies occur because people do not pay enough attention to their own behavior. These can be prevented if we think, plan, and prepare in our daily lives. We should all make a list of potential problems or hazards in our surroundings to aid in the prevention of accidents.

In the management of an accident victim, one should have specific guidelines to follow. The extensiveness of one's plan depends on the seriousness of an accident, the location, the number of people involved, as well as the proximity and availability of medical assistance.

In general, you should observe the following procedures:

** Take a moment to calm yourself and analyze the entire situation -- location of accident, potential hazards, and other problems.

** Formulate a plan and carry it out. Work quickly but carefully. Give proper instructions and account for all victims.

** Utilize all assistance. Do not send help off when they're vitally needed at the scene.

** Establish traffic control, directing traffic, if necessary. Flares or emergency flashers may be an early priority. DO NOT place flares near spilled gasoline.

** Summon assistance. Obtain proper Emergency Medical Service, rescue units, and police or law enforcement. Include information on the exact number of victims and on the location and nature of accident.

** Treat the most serious injury. Check for critical cases.

** Treat all victims for possible shock. Keep victim quiet. Maintain body temperature.

** Check for other injuries and treat, if appropriate.

** Keep all victims lying down and still. Do not allow them to sit, stand, or walk.

** Give reassurance. Be positive and confident in your actions.

** Do not move any seriously injured persons unless absolutely necessary.

** Do not give fluids to an unconscious or partly unconscious person; or one with head, abdominal, or chest injuries.

** Loosen clothing around the neck and waist. Make the victim comfortable.

** If vomiting occurs, turn victims onto their sides to ensure an open airway. Just be aware of possible neck injury.

** Remove loose dentures and partial plates from the mouth if they obstruct the airway.

** Obtain names and addresses of injured and notify relatives, if appropriate. Usually, public officials will perform this task.

** Use common sense.