Be Prepared to Handle Accidents in Any Situation with Proper First Aid

Accidents can happen anywhere, at any time, and to anyone, whether from car crashes or everyday activities. Having basic first aid knowledge is essential to help reduce the severity of injuries before medical teams or rescue units arrive.

Immediate actions to take when encountering an accident

When you encounter an accident or an emergency situation, such as someone injured froman accidenton the road, quick assistance is crucial. The following steps should be taken:

• First, ensure your own safety before helping the injured to prevent secondary accidents, such as parking your vehicle in a safe spot, turning on hazard lights, and quickly scanning the area.Check if there areany other risks at the scene, such as ongoing traffic, fuel leaks, electrical hazards, or flames.
• Assess the condition of each injured person. If you find you cannot provide adequate help or the situation is unsafe, immediately call the emergency medical center at 1669 or the local hospital, such as Phyathai Phaholyothin Hospital at 1772.
• After calling 1669, you can request guidance from the staff for instructions and initial assistance without hanging up.
• Provide complete information including the exact location, landmarks or coordinates, number of injured persons, their conditions, and details of the incident to enable appropriate emergency response.

Basic first aid methods at the scene to assist accident victims

Before medical teams or rescue staff arrive, you can provide first aid based on the type and severity of injuries, such as:

• For minor injuries like abrasions or small wounds, clean the wound with clean water, gently pat dry with a clean cloth, then cover it with gauze or a plaster toreduce the riskof infection.
• For severe injuries with heavy bleeding, use a clean cloth to firmly press the wound to stop the bleeding, ensuring enough pressure to halt blood flow. Position the injured person safely until medical help arrives. If a fracture or spinal injury is suspected, avoid moving the victim.

Stopping bleeding in cases where the injured person is lying down, unconscious, or unresponsive

Rapid bleeding control is vital to reduce blood loss and prevent shock, following these steps:

Avoid direct contact with the victim's blood or bodily fluids. If possible, wear rubber gloves orcover your handswith plastic bags, then press a clean cloth or bandage firmly on the wound for at least 5-10 minutes to stop bleeding. If blood seeps through, do not remove the cloth but add another layer on top. Avoid frequently checking the wound, as this can disturb blood clotting. For wounds on arms or legs, elevate the injury above heart level to reduce blood flow. Do not apply ice directly to the wound as it maycause further injury.

• Once bleeding stops, wrap the wound securely with an elastic bandage to prevent renewed bleeding.
• If there is a foreign object embedded in the wound, only a doctor should remove it to avoid further injury and excessive bleeding.
• Do not allow victims with significant blood loss to eat or drink, as it may be dangerous.
• Bleeding control may affect waiting times if surgery is required.

First aid for unconscious but breathing individuals

If the unconscious person is still breathing and there is no suspected neck or back injury, follow these steps:

• Call emergency medical services immediately.
• Do not move the injured person unless necessary for safety from environmental hazards.
• Closely monitor breathing, facial expressions, and consciousness level until emergency teams arrive, and provide all relevant information.
• If breathing stops, seek help from nearby peopleand have them bring an AED device. Begin CPR immediately by giving chest compressions at a steady rate of 100-120 per minute until medical help arrives.Do not give water or food to an unconscious person as they may choke.
• If the unconscious person experiences convulsive seizures, do not restrain them or place objects in their mouth. Protect their head from injury and wait for the seizure to end.
• How to provide first aid for fractures or dislocations?

First aid for victims with fractures or dislocations includes these guidelines:

• Do not attempt to pull or realign bones yourself, as this can worsen the injury.
• If clothing must be removed near the injury, cut along seams to avoid moving the joint or bone.
• Apply cold compresses using cloth or ice packs to reduce swelling and pain, but do not place ice directly on the skin.
• Use available cloth or materials to immobilize and support the injured joint or bone in a stable position.
• Elevating the injured limb can help reduce swelling.
• Observe for other symptoms such as numbness or loss of movement in extremities,
• which may indicate nerve injury, nerve compression, or complications requiring urgent treatment. Provide this information to medical teams, and avoid moving the injured person unnecessarily, as improper handling may worsen fractures.
• Additionalnerve or blood vessel damage may occur.Do not give food or drink because surgery or anesthesia might be needed, which carries a risk of aspiration.
• If you are unsure or cannot assess potential neck or spinal injuries, do not move, roll, or reposition the patient unless absolutely necessary, as this may compress nerves and cause permanent disability.
• First aid for head injuries from accidents when the victim is sitting, walking, or able to communicate

Proper first aid differs depending on whether there is an open wound or not, as follows:

If there is an open scalp wound, gently press a clean cloth to stop bleeding. If a skull fracture is suspected, do not press directly on the wound; instead, cover it with a clean cloth. Apply cold compresses wrapped in cloth or gel packs to reduce swelling, for 10-15 minutes every hour.

• If a neck or skull fracture is suspected, do not move the head or neck and wait for medical assistance.
• If abnormal symptoms occur, such as limb weakness or bleeding or fluid from ears or nose, call an ambulance immediately and do not let the victim drink water or take medication until advised by a doctor.
• If there is no open scalp wound,

and the victim is conscious, ask if they feel dizzy, have headaches, or nausea. If symptoms are mild, have them rest safely.

• Monitor for changes. If symptoms worsen or abnormal signs appear, such as severe headache, projectile vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, or seizures, seek medical attention or call for an ambulance immediately.If you or someone close to you has an accident or is unsure about first aid, promptly contact emergency assistance or the Phyathai Phaholyothin Hospital hotline at 1772. We have emergency doctors and medical staff ready to care for accident victims in all cases with expertise and dedication, equipped with modern treatment technology and a rapid emergency notification system to ensure you and your loved ones receive swift treatment. Every second counts in saving lives, and we are here for you in every emergency.Information provided by
• : Dr. Chitinthorn Boonsukchitseri, Emergency Medicine Physician, Accident and Emergency Center,

Phyathai Phaholyothin Hospital