Motor Vehicle Accidents

A person may survive the initial impact of a motor vehicle accident, but other associated elements may cause death, such as airway obstructions whilst unconscious, or severe bleeding. The aim is to make the scene safe first, secondly, see who is injured, how many are injured and who requires treatment first, prioritise, then assist the injured.

Hazards can include – the vehicle position, on-coming traffic, broken glass, fallen power lines, leaking fuel, fire, people in a panic etc.

Signs and symptoms

For multiple cars and casualties, count the number of people that are injured. Check responses. Look for unconsciousness first, and those who are not breathing. Look for bleeding, and other injuries.

First aid

Call an ambulance. Special assistance may be required (e.g. fire brigade, electricity authorities, rescue organisations etc.).

Make the scene safe:

  • Identify and assess dangers. Remove or minimise hazards. Provide protection

  • Protect yourself and the casualties from further injury, e.g. Being hit by a car

  • Position vehicles, use hazard lights, road triangles or torches

  • Ask other people to warn the on-coming traffic

  • Turn off the ignition in crashed cars and activate park brake or chock the wheels

  • Look out for inactivated airbags

  • Use head lights to light the area if dark

  • Keep safe distance away from fallen power lines and ensure no one is smoking

Treat the casualties:

  • Treat the unconscious first

  • If the casualty in the vehicle is unconscious and not breathing normally, remove them from the vehicle and commence cpr immediately

  • Manage the unconscious breathing within the vehicle if possible

  • Open airways and check the breathing of each casualty

  • Clear the airway of foreign material

  • Maintain head tilt and jaw support, continuously reassess airways and breathing

  • Try to be aware of spinal alignment at all times

  • Stop any bleeding and immobilise fractures

  • Make comfortable and provide reassurance, especially if a person is trapped

  • Complete a verbal casualty assessment noting the injuries

  • Move anyone lying on a road/railway line, etc. To safety

  • Write down changes in condition and the time of the observations

  • Monitor and treat as required until help arrives

Meirav Dulberg