First aid on the road

The following information was compiled with the assistance of St John

Ambulance, the British Heart Foundation and the British Red Cross. It’s intended as a general guide for those without first-aid training but shouldn’t be considered a substitute for proper training. Any first aid given at the scene of an incident should be looked on only as a temporary measure until the emergency services arrive.

1. Deal with danger

Further collisions and fire are the main dangers following a crash. Approach any vehicle involved with care, watching out for spilt oil or broken glass. Switch off all engines and, if possible, warn other traffic. If you have a vehicle, switch on your hazard warning lights. Stop anyone from smoking, and put on the gloves from your first-aid kit if you have one.

2. Get help

If you can do so safely, try to get the assistance of bystanders. Ask someone to call the appropriate emergency services on 999 or 112 as soon as possible.

The operator will need to know the exact location of the incident (including the direction of traffic, eg northbound) and the number of vehicles involved. Try to give information about the condition of any casualties; for example, if anyone is having difficulty breathing, is bleeding heavily, is trapped in a vehicle or doesn’t respond when spoken to.

3. Help those involved

Don’t move casualties from their vehicles unless there’s the threat of further danger.

Don’t remove a motorcyclist’s helmet unless it’s essential.

Try to keep casualties warm, dry and as comfortable as you can.

Give reassurance confidently and try not to leave a casualty alone or let them wander into the path of other traffic.

Don’t give a casualty anything to eat or drink.

4. Provide emergency care

Unconscious and breathing

Don’t move a casualty unless there’s further danger. Moving a casualty unnecessarily could worsen any injury they may have sustained. If breathing stops, treat as recommended under ‘DR ABC’.

Don’t attempt to remove a motorcyclist’s helmet unless it’s essential; for example, if the casualty isn’t breathing normally. Otherwise, serious injury could result.

If an adult or child is unconscious and breathing, but otherwise uninjured, place them on their side in the recovery position (as shown below).

• Start with the casualty on their back and sit or crouch to one side of them.
• Place the arm nearest you straight out, at a right angle to their body.
• Roll them onto their side towards you.
• Turn the casualty’s other arm palm upwards, and place this hand between the ground and the casualty’s cheek.
• With your other hand, grasp the casualty’s top leg just above the knee and pull it up at a right angle, keeping the foot on the ground. This will prevent them from rolling over any further.
• Make sure that the casualty’s airway remains open and that you monitor their condition until a medical professional takes over.

Dealing with shock

The effects of shock may not be immediately obvious. Warning signs to look for include

• paleness of the face (pallor)
• cold, clammy skin
• fast, shallow breathing
• fast, weak pulse
• yawning or sighing
• confusion
• loss of consciousness (in extreme cases).

Prompt treatment can help to deal with shock.

• Don’t give the person anything to eat or drink. Their condition may be severe enough to require surgery, in which case it’s better if the stomach is empty.
• Lay them down, with their head low and legs raised and supported, to increase the flow of blood to their head.
• Call 999 or 112 for medical help. Say that you think the person is in shock, and explain what you think caused it (such as bleeding or a heart attack).
• Loosen any tight clothing around the person’s neck, chest and waist to make sure it doesn’t constrict their blood flow.
• Fear and pain can make shock worse, by increasing the body’s demand for oxygen, so, while you wait for help to arrive, it’s important to keep the person comfortable, warm and calm. Do this by covering them with a coat or blanket and comforting and reassuring them.
• Keep checking their breathing, pulse and level of response.
• If they lose consciousness at any point, open their airway, check their breathing, and prepare to treat someone who has become unconscious.

Burns

Put out any flames, taking care for your own safety. Cool the burn for at least 10 minutes with plenty of clean, cool water. Cover the burn with cling film if available. Don’t try to remove anything that’s sticking to the burn.

Be prepared

Always carry a first-aid kit – you might never need it, but it could save a life.

Learn first aid – you can get first-aid training from a qualified organisation such as St John Ambulance, St Andrew’s First Aid, British Red Cross Society or any suitable qualified body.