When an accident occurs
An accident is always a difficult experience, and often neither the participants nor the bystanders know how to behave, especially since the confusion is exacerbated by stress. Meanwhile, it is necessary to take appropriate measures as soon as possible to secure the scene, notify the relevant authorities and help the victims. One of the most common causes of death in road traffic accidents is hypoxia associated with respiratory arrest.* It often depends on our reaction whether the victim survives until the ambulance arrives.
Security of the scene
“The first step should be to secure the accident site so as not to create further danger,” says Zbigniew Veseli, director of the Renault driving school. On a motorway or expressway, turn on the car's hazard warning lights, and if the car is not equipped with them, the parking lights and install a reflective warning triangle 100 m behind the car. On other roads, when stopping on the road at a place where it is prohibited:
outside settlements, a triangle is placed at a distance of 30-50 m behind the vehicle, and in settlements behind or above the vehicle at a height of not more than 1 m.
Emergency services and the police should also be called as soon as possible. When calling the ambulance number, in the event of a disconnection, first provide the exact address with the name of the city, the number of victims and their condition, as well as the last name and phone number. Remember that you can not end the conversation first - the dispatcher may have additional questions.
Take care of the wounded
If you cannot open the door of the car in which the person involved in the accident is, break the glass, being careful not to cause additional injury to the person inside. Keep in mind that tempered glass, which is most often used for side windows, breaks into small sharp pieces, and glued glass (always windshield) usually only breaks. Once inside the car, turn off the ignition, turn on the handbrake and remove the key from the ignition - Renault driving school instructors advise.
One of the most common causes of death in traffic accident victims is hypoxia associated with respiratory arrest*, and in Poland every second person does not know the first aid** necessary in such situations. Usually, no more than 4 minutes pass from the moment of stopping breathing to the moment of complete cessation of life, so a quick reaction is important. Often witnesses to an accident do not try to resuscitate because they do not know what to do and are afraid of harming the victim.
However, the first, elementary help is necessary to maintain life until the ambulance arrives. The Misdemeanor Code provides for a penalty in the form of arrest or a fine for a driver who, participating in a traffic accident, does not help the victim in an accident (art. 93, §1). The rules of first aid should be studied at the retraining course, say Renault driving school instructors.
* Global Road Safety Partnership
** PKK
