First Aid at Motor Vehicle Accidents
One of the most common emergency situations you will likely come across is Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVAs).
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While checking the scene for danger is a universal concept applied to all emergencies and first aid, MVAs present several unique and specific hazards:
Traffic, Fire/Explosion, Stored Kinetic Energy, Airbags, Electrical Lines, Broken Glass and Unstable Vehicles are among the most obvious.
In this article I will talk about the first three.
Traffic
The largest threat at nearly any MVA is not the accident itself but the vehicles zooming by, oblivious to both your incidence and the threat they present.
If you are going to place
yourself at risk to help, always try to position another vehicle between yourself and the area you are effective
in to make
a protective barrier. Don’t worry if this slows down the roadway, that’s just what you want; and emergency crews will do the same thing when they turn up
.
Cones, flares and reflective vests can boost
visibility and possibly warn traffic ahead of time; but
I don’t recommend trying to direct traffic yourself. If somebody will not steer around or slow down for a stopped vehicle they certainly won’t for a pedestrian (no matter how brightly garbed) either.
Fire/Explosion
Any vehicle which has been in an accident has the potential to leak fuel, make electrical or friction sparks and either burst into flame or explode at any time. Even the upholstery and interior contents can burn very rapidly, with utmost intensity.
Never go near or enter a vehicle, from which smoke or flame are evident except below the most dire circumstances.
As you approach take note of any liquids/fuels leaking from the underside. Make sure not to absorb any flammable substances onto your shoes or clothing. If there is any kind of slope or breeze it is generally safer to be uphill and upwind.
Stored Kinetic Energy
Anywhere a vehicle has been bent or compressed it holds potential kinetic energy. This means that the structures of the vehicle will have a tendency to return to their original shape, much like a spring. This occurs violently and without warning.
When doors, hatches, fenders and particularly bumpers release they can cause tremendous hurt to anyone they contact, as well as flinging debris with fantastic velocity.
Try approach the vehicle at an angle, so that when the energy releases you will not be in its path.
Summary
Using the information provided in this newsletter will give you superior control over the situation; but there may be factors beyond your influence.
If you are unsure: Keep Yourself Safe!
In a future article I will continue discussing MVAs and the hazards they present.
Until then,
Keep Safe, Do Your Best and Be the Difference.
Author: Jason Durham
A qualified Fire Fighter and Canadian Red Cross Instructor, Jason Durham is the Owner and Head Instructor of Frontline First Aid and Emergency Training.
Frontline offers Simple Skills, Practical Instruction and Guaranteed Confidence to Act.
Jason has also worked as an Oil Field Medic, Ski Patroller, Fire Service Instructor and Mountain Safety Coordinator, bringing being of experience to his classes and newsletters.
His passion for instructing and the ability to bring the real world into the classroom give Frontline’s students the confidence to Be the Difference.
http://www.frontlinefirstaid.ca
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