What Are the First Aid Basics for Car Accidents?
2 Answers
In car accident first aid, prioritize rescuing critically injured individuals. Avoid covering wounds with unclean items. When discovering trauma, many people may panic and hastily cover the wound with items like seat covers or clothing. This can easily lead to infection, especially with large wounds or damaged arteries. Therefore, always use sanitary materials to treat wounds. Below are the methods to handle a car accident: Act quickly: Direct others to immediately notify emergency services and have bystanders place warning signs 150 meters behind the accident site. If no signs are available, ask bystanders to assist with traffic control. Do not forcibly pull injured individuals out of the vehicle to avoid further harm. Turn off the engine: After the accident, cut off the power supply to reduce the risk of fire. Prohibit anyone from smoking near the accident vehicle. If the accident involves a diesel engine, block the fuel supply line. Secure the vehicle: Place bricks under the wheels on the downhill side of the vehicle. Beware of other hazards: If the accident involves a vehicle transporting toxic substances, pay attention to wind direction and avoid standing downwind. If it's a fuel tanker, take extra precautions against fire and strictly prohibit smoking.
I once encountered a car accident scene on the highway. The first thing is definitely to ensure your own safety—don’t foolishly rush forward, as you could easily get hit by other vehicles. I would park at a distance, turn on the hazard lights, and place a triangle warning sign or something eye-catching to alert drivers behind. Then, I’d assess the condition of the injured. If they can still talk, avoid moving them immediately, especially if there might be neck or spinal injuries. If there’s no breathing or heartbeat, I’d perform basic CPR resuscitation, but only if I’ve had first aid training before. At the same time, call the police immediately and clearly describe the location and the number of injured people. If there’s heavy bleeding, use clothing or a bandage to apply pressure and stop the bleeding—avoid using dirty materials to prevent infection. Stay calm throughout the process and avoid causing panic in others.
