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Calling the Ambulance Service
Make sure someone has called for an ambulance. Don't assume this has already happened. Often after a crash, people are in shock, and are unable to make clear decisions or take appropriate action.
Call triple zero (000) and ask for ambulance. The operator will ask you a list of important questions to obtain all the info required to ensure help is on its way.
- What is the exact address of the emergency? The operator will ask you for the suburb and the nearest cross street. If you do not know where you are, look around for landmarks or ask someone.
- What is the phone number you are calling from? This is important in case they need to call back to get more information.
- What is the problem, tell me exactly what happened? Try to be as clear and detailed as you can.
- How old is he or she?
- Is he or she conscious?
- Is he or she breathing?
Waiting for the ambos
You should use the time until the ambos arrive to assess the crash site for any other potential dangers and help anyone who is injured.
Firstly remember your own safety - you can't help anyone if you are hurt too. So look out for anything that could harm you and other people around the crash area.
Some common dangers at a road crash include:
Fallen power lines.
Leaking fuel.
Inactivated airbags.
Other vehicles.
Car engines still running.
If it is safe, you should put the car into park, pull up the handbrake and turn off the engine.
Helping injured people
Firstly, reassure anyone that is injured, assistance is on the way.
In most cases, it's best not to move anyone who's been hurt. If it's safe you can park your car between them and the traffic for protection, remembering to turn on your hazard lights.
You should only consider moving an injured person if they are in further danger, such as lying in the path of oncoming traffic. In this instance, take great care to support their broken limbs, and to not twist their back or neck.
If they are wearing a helmet, lift the visor, but don't remove it unless they are vomiting or have stopped breathing. If you have to remove the helmet, get one person to support the head and neck, while another gently lifts the helmet off from the back - again be really careful not to twist or move their head around.
When the ambulance arrives
Paramedics are top-notch medical professionals who are trained to provide the advanced medical treatment that is needed before and during transport. They can treat the patient whilst travelling to the hospital - which is often time critical to a person's survival.
Generally, the paramedics will check everyone's injuries at the crash scene, but usually treat the most critically injured people first.
When people are in a high speed crash, the ambos will always recommend they be taken to hospital for a full check up by medical staff.
Want more info?
Hopefully you won't see or be in a serious crash. But if you are, try to stay calm and remember these tips.
If you want more info about ambo services in NSW, check out the Ambulance Service of NSW website www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au
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