In this column Aiden discusses your safety, calling for help, the ABC’s of life and important questions to ask your casualty.
Staying Safe at an Accident
In every situation, regardless of circumstances, staying safe must always be your primary concern!
STOP! Look for any danger to you or the casualty. If you’re concerned for your safety, do not become involved in the situation. Call for help and keep bystanders back to protect them too. Wait for professional help to arrive.
If however, you are able to help, before you do, consider the risk of infection to you and the casualty. Wear medical gloves and use any barrier devices so you can to keep yourself safe! Ask for a first aid box that might be available.
In the event of a road traffic accident, use your hazard lights, a high visibility jacket and a torch if necessary. Flag down any oncoming traffic, call for help as soon as you can and be alert for danger!
Switch off the ignition and apply the hand brake of the vehicle. Where possible treat the casualty in their vehicle.
Check the casualty’s condition. Do they appear to be seriously injured; are they conscious, can they speak to you or do you need help?
Calling for Help
The emergency numbers are 999 or 112.
State which service you require, where you are, your name and number, the nature of your casualties’ injuries, the number of casualties and any other dangers at the scene. You need one ambulance for every seriously injured casualty. Don’t hang up until told to do so!
Keep calm and give as much clear and concise information as you can.
The ABC’s of life
In first aid after your own personal safety, nothing takes precedents over the casualty’s A B C’s
A is for Airway
If someone is unconscious on their back, their tongue can go limp and roll back and cover their airway. This is life threatening!
You must ensure this does not happen regardless of any other injuries.
Tilt the head back and look into the airway for any obstructions such as vomit or blood. If there are obstructions you must remove them. With as much help and control as possible, place the casualty onto their side allowing fluids to drain out.
B is for Breathing
Once you’re sure the airway is open and clear check if they are breathing. Look, listen and feel for breathing for 10 seconds. If they are breathing you do not need to do CPR!
C is for Circulation
If the casualty is breathing there is no need to check for a pulse. If unsure check for signs of circulation which include moving, coughing, blinking or a response to your voice or pain.
At this stage use pressure to control any bleeding, be aware of concealed injuries.
Important Questions you Must Ask:
In first aid we always try to get as much information from a casualty. We use a series of questions called the SAMPLE history
S Signs and symptoms of injury. Can you see an injury or is the casualty complaining of an injury
A Allergies. Are they allergic to medications or any other agent that may have caused this episode? ( peanuts, eggs, bee stings, penicillin etc..)
M Medications. Is the casualty taking any medication and if so what is it for?
P Past history. Has this happened before and if so what was done to help the casualty?
L Last oral intake. When did they last eat or drink?
E Events. How did you come to be in this situation?
Never be afraid to call for assistance if an accident occurs. Keep calm and ensure your casualty has an open airway, is breathing and shows signs of circulation.
Next week we will talk about CPR and using a defibrillator. Until then stay safe!
If you have found this article informative or would like to do a first aid course in your area why not log onto Aiden’s website www.firstaidplus.ie for details of courses available for you!
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