At some point in our lives, we have witnessed an accident. However, when it comes to helping, we either hesitate or cause more harm to the injured. Most of the deaths due to road traffic accidents are not due to the injuries, but due to delayed care. By knowing the basic first aid technique, one can help save a person’s life.

We find that most people hesitate as they are concerned that they will get involved in a police case. Let me begin by clarifying that as per the law in India, Good Samaritans will NOT be questioned by the police, neither will their identities be revealed, unless they are the eye-witnesses. They are allowed to leave immediately after dropping off the injured party at the hospital. They will also be rewarded for their timely help. This would hopefully encourage more people to come forward and help.

Those who are brave enough to help, most often are unaware of basic first aid techniques and procedures. Here is a list of dos and donts in a road traffic accident; these tips can help save a life in the future.

What to do in an accident-

1. Don’t crowd around the person involved in the accident, give them enough space to breathe free
2. Carefully remove any vehicular parts that may be on them, unless the vehicular part is protruding into their body, in which case it shouldn’t be moved
3. Check for any obvious injuries, any bleeding wound anywhere, oddly placed limbs etc.
4. If they are not breathing check for any obstruction in the mouth or throat. If present, gently remove it with your index finger. If this doesn’t restart the breathing, perform CPR. This technique can be mastered by anyone, and is an essential skill to possess
5. Cover any wound with a piece of cloth, and press down if there is excess bleeding
6. Check for any bleeding for nose, ears, mouth etc. all these could indicate a head injury
7. Ask the person for their name, phone number etc. this way we not only get the contact information of the next of kin, we also check if the person is coherent, just to assess the extent of damage
8. After checking for any obvious fractures and injuries, gently move the person away from the traffic
9. Keep the injured warm, cover them with a blanket. If they are pale, they may be in shock. By raising the feet, we can ensure more blood flows to the heart and brain.
10. If the person starts vomiting, turn them on their side gently and call for an ambulance immediately
11. Once you have brought the person to one side, call for help. Make sure that at any point of time, the person is not left unattended

            What not to do in an accident-

1. Don’t not be too quick to change the position of the person injured. Since you are unaware of where the injuries maybe, it is best to let the person lie down flat. By vigorously making the injured sit up, we might risk aggravating a spinal injury
2. If the person is unconscious or incoherent, it could indicate a head injury, a possible bleed around the brain, so call for an ambulance immediately
3. Don’t move the person by holding the 4 limbs. Adequate back support is required. Roll them like a log onto a plank or any flat surfaceDo not give the injured water or anything to eat, especially if they are not completely conscious. The fluid could end up in their lungs instead (aspiration).
4. If the injured person throws a seizure/epileptic fit, do not restrain them. Check if they have a band on their hand (will be present on those that are epileptic). Also, check the pockets to see if there are any medicines for epilepsy, and give that to stop the seizure.
5. Don’t wait too long for help; shift the patient as soon as possible. The first one hour is called the“golden hour”, as any intervention during this time ensures better survival of the injured.

          Author : 

           Dr Amulya MBBS MS , Pursuing Cardiothoraci surgery 

            amicool91@gmail.com