Tips for Dealing with Accident Victims with Serious Injuries – India TV

When it comes to dealing with medical emergencies, it is essential to equip yourself with basic first aid knowledge when it comes to saving someone’s life who needs it. Even if it is a minor injury or a critical situation, you should know how to provide immediate help to a seriously injured person. Therefore, first aid is the emergency care or treatment provided to a sick or injured person before regular medical help arrives. So, first aid will be provided at the same place where the accident occurred. However, there is still a lack of awareness when it comes to providing first aid to injured people.

The most common mistakes in first aid are listed below.

• Failure to seek immediate help from a specialist: When we spoke to Dr Navneet Kaur, general practitioner at Apollo Spectra Delhi, Chirag Enclave, she said that many people fail to recognise the importance of immediate treatment as they underestimate the seriousness of the injury or illness. One should be alert and call for help if the victim is unconscious, bleeding profusely, short of breath or has a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Provide proper wound care: Some people apply (turmeric) or coffee to the wound. However, be careful and start by washing your hands. Gently clean the wound with water and avoid using any products or ointments that contain chemicals. Cover the wound with a clean cloth to reduce the risk of contamination. Remember to change the dressing regularly as recommended by your doctor to avoid infection.
• Incorrect cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): To properly perform CPR, a basic life-saving technique, check that the person is responsive and breathing, then begin chest compressions until medical help arrives. CPR training is important for everyone.
• Walking with a fracture: Don’t move if you suspect a fracture. Call for help to get proper diagnosis and treatment.

Head injuries should be taken seriously, so loss of consciousness, disorientation, headache, vomiting, seek immediate medical attention. Do not allow the injured person to fall asleep without a medical diagnosis.

Cover burns with a clean, non-stick dressing or cloth to reduce pain rather than leaving them open.

Basic First Aid Guidelines

• Stay calm and composed before providing first aid.
• Inform bystanders to call emergency services or bring supplies.
• In the case of an injured person, ask questions about their condition and listen carefully to their answers. Check for consciousness and breathing. See if they are bleeding excessively. Using a first aid kit, apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or gauze while wearing gloves. Apply a sterile bandage to the wound.
• Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to help someone breathe. Call for emergency help immediately.

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