Speciality - Informative- Medical
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India observes Road Safety Week each year from January 11 to 17, an extensive awareness campaign guided by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways to inform people about the dangers on the roads and how we can all keep each other safe. It is about pointing out what to avoid and demonstrating things we can do to enhance road safety. It is a group effort – the government, traffic police, schools, and community groups teaming up to spread the message of responsible driving and stressing why we must be more cautious on the road. Road Safety Week also highlights the importance of lending a hand in case of an accident.
The majority of the RTAs occur as a consequence of a mix of mistakes people make: driving too fast, being influenced by alcohol, not using safety gear like helmets and seatbelts, getting distracted by phones, encountering unsafe roads, and not getting proper help after a crash. Fixing this big issue requires everyone to join hands – from transportation and law enforcement to health, education, and significant initiatives prioritizing road safety. It's a team effort to create an impact and push for safer roads worldwide.
Aligning with the recently concluded Road Safety Week, from Manipal Hospital, which takes pride in being at the frontier of Emergency and Critical Care, we put forth this article focusing on bystander awareness of first aid and co-ordination at accident spots that can markedly reduce the chances of worsening of victims' condition due to improper handling in transit to hospital.
1. Scene Safety
The first crucial step in bystander involvement is assessing the safety of the accident scene. The bystanders must be wary of potential dangers, such as fuel-related blast risks and multiple collisions due to high speeds and low visibility. Ensuring the safety of both victims and rescuers is paramount.
2. Check for Response and Call for Help
Bystanders should move victims to a safer area and promptly assess their responsiveness upon extricating them. Immediate calls for ambulance services are essential, and if a victim is unresponsive, effective communication with fellow bystanders is vital to initiate necessary assistance. You can also use the location-identification SOS QR code unveiled by Manipal Hospitals that helps you summon the Manipal Ambulance Rescue Services (MARS) or any other partnered ambulance services to the exact accident location within 25 minutes and thereby facilitate timely transportation of patients to ensure immediate treatment within the crucial golden hour.
3. Do's and Don'ts While Helping Victims
While awaiting Emergency Medical Services (EMS), keeping a vigilant eye on the victim's condition is crucial. Proper compression of bleeding areas and refraining from oral intake prevent complications during transit. Basic life support techniques, including chest compressions, should be initiated by those trained, ensuring stability until professional help arrives.
4. Special Circumstances
In scenarios where ambulances may not reach remote areas in time, bystanders assuming the role of transporters must follow specific guidelines. Immobilizing the spinal column, "log rolling" the victim onto a makeshift spinal board, and splinting broken limbs are essential steps in ensuring safe transit to medical facilities.
5. Final Help
Assisting victims to the nearest hospital, updating family members, and maintaining a clear path for medical professionals are responsibilities that bystanders must handle diligently. Crowds can unintentionally hinder emergency care, emphasizing the need for co-ordination and understanding at the accident site.
6. Caring for Self
While rendering aid, concerns about personal safety may arise. Though the risk of infection is minimal, preventive measures, such as barrier usage and immediate cleaning after contact with bodily fluids, are advised. Familiarity with the Good Samaritan Law in India provides legal protection to those assisting accident victims.
Conclusion
Proactive bystander awareness and first aid co-ordination at accident scenes can significantly mitigate the severity of victims' conditions during transit to hospitals. The secret is to teach them the fundamentals of CPR and first aid so they can become effective emergency responders. Let us commit to driving responsibly and arm ourselves with the information necessary to save lives should things go dire. After all, being a mere spectator may be the difference between life and death when driving.
The information provided on this page is user-generated and for informational purposes only. Always consult with a doctor for better guidance regarding your health conditions.
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