stop safe distance behind accident - turn on hazard lights
take charge - if someone is already in charge, make yourself useful to them
immobilize crashed vehicle - turn off ignition, remove key & drop it on car floor
count patients & check their condition
don't smoke, put out lighted cigarettes
flag down on-coming traffic
call for emergency services - if you send somebody to get help, always ensure they come back to confirm they have successfully raised the alarm
if you have red warning triangle, place on ground 300ft (100m) before the accident
return to accident, see if anyone was thrown clear
don't remove people from vehicles - whatever their position (unless in life threatening danger)
do not remove glass from skin
check mouth is clear if not conscious
ensure breathing freely, loosen neck clothing
start self-help treatment (show patient what to do)
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When faced with patients, the treatment priorities are:
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unconscious & not breathing
severe bleeding
unconscious but breathing
severe burns
{shock}
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Search accident scene in case someone is wandering in {shock} or collapsed. Reassure patients, cover lightly with overcoat, tell them help is on the way, reassure that any missing adult, child, pet is being looked after, do not give anything by mouth. Remember, the noisiest patient is !i! rarely !n! the most severely injured.
If reporting an accident by telephone:
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don't replace your receiver before the emergency officer
give your phone number (you may be cut off)
give exact accident location (land marks, road junctions, etc.)
indicate seriousness of accident
give number, sex, age & condition of patients
note special factors (e.g. {heart attack}, pregnancy, etc.)
