First Aid in Road Safety

In most EU countries people learn first aid as part of their driving test. In the UK, even basic first aid knowledge is not obligatory which means many drivers involved in accidents are totally powerless and unable to help.

Cyclists are particularly vulnerable road users and it is vitally important that you know what to do (and what not to do) if someone is involved in an accident. If you are cycling with children and teenagers, reinforce the importance of not overtaking lorries, buses and other large vehicles on the inside and explain their blind spots.

Should you be the first on the scene of an accident:

• When approaching an accident scene it’s important to ensure your own safety. Make sure that all traffic has stopped and it is flagged up that there has been an accident otherwise, there may be additional casualties. If there is any spilled fuel or other fire hazards turn off car ignitions. Put on vehicle hazard lights and use a warning triangle if there’s one available.

• If other people are around get them to phone the emergency services. If you are on your own, assess the situation and treat any life-threatening conditions first.

• Quickly establish how many vehicles have been involved and assess the occupants of all the vehicles to ensure no one has life-threatening injuries. People screaming, crying and making a noise must be breathing – your priority at this point is to check anyone is quiet and not moving.

If anyone is not moving

Establish whether they’re responsive or not. If there is no response, check if they are breathing.

Unresponsive and breathing

Ensure they are in a position where they are leaning forward or to one side to ensure the airway remains open. Move them as little as possible and avoid twisting them. Keep talking to the casualty calmly as they can hear you, even if they are unconscious. Keep them warm.

Unresponsive and not breathing

If the person is not breathing you will need to resuscitate. Should you be on your own and haven’t called an ambulance yet, now is the time to do so. If necessary, ask their advice on the best way to resuscitate as it’s not easy to do if they are in a car.

Only remove an unconscious person from a vehicle if there is an immediate danger to their life. E.g. from fire, flood, or explosion. Ask the emergency services over the phone for their advice as to what you should do. It is very difficult to extricate an unconscious person from a vehicle and there is a major risk of exacerbating their injuries and of injuring yourself in the process.

Conscious casualties should be taken care of by bystanders and removed from the wreckage to a safe area. Be aware of confused and dazed casualties who may wander into danger. Brief the bystanders to keep the casualties warm and calm and help them contact their next of kin. Ensure any major bleeding or life-threatening injuries are treated first.

More to be aware of:

• Note the nature of the wreckage and be aware of possible injuries as a result. Bodies are softer than metalwork. Therefore, if there is major damage to the vehicle, there could be internal injuries to the casualty. Ensure bystanders notify you if there is any change in a casualty’s condition.

• Anyone trapped in a vehicle should be monitored carefully and the emergency services notified immediately. If someone is crushed, note the exact time when the accident happened. This is important in deciding on how and when to release the casualty. If there are additional people around, show them how to support the person’s neck to avoid them twisting. This is to avoid causing a spinal injury. If there is severe bleeding this will need to be controlled – wear gloves and apply dressings.

• Do not allow anyone to smoke at the scene or give the casualties anything to eat or drink. This is in case they need an operation later.

• If a motorcyclist is involved only remove their helmet if they are unconscious and there is no other way to assess their breathing or their airway is in danger. There is usually a way of lifting the visor, it may be sensible to loosen their chin strap.

• If a casualty has been hit by a car and they are lying on their back unconscious and breathing – they should be carefully rolled into the recovery position to keep their spine in line. Ideally, this should be done with the support of others to avoid twisting the spine.

• If a casualty has been hit by a vehicle or thrown from one and they are conscious in the road, encourage them to keep still. Ensure that someone is directing traffic and maintaining safety. Support their head and neck, keep them warm and dry and wait for the emergency services.

Everyone on the road should have a suitably stocked first aid kit and know how to use its contents.

*This information has been provided for guidance only and is not a substitute for medical advice.