Saving Lives After Road Crashes: Emergency First Aid & Beyond

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) can happen in the blink of an eye, shattering lives and leaving chaos in their wake. But amidst the wreckage, there’s often a chance for hope—a moment when the actions of a stranger can make the difference between life and death. This is the story of how quick thinking and basic first aid saved two lives after a devastating car crash.

A Rainy Night, A Chance Encounter

It was a rainy evening in October, and Priya was driving back home from her weekend getaway. The rain tapped rhythmically against her windshield, and visibility was poor. Just as she turned a sharp bend on the highway, her headlights caught a chilling sight—a car had skidded off the road, flipped onto its roof, and was now precariously perched on the edge of a ditch.

Priya quickly pulled over, her heart pounding. Inside the car, she could see two people: a man slumped over the steering wheel and a young girl strapped into the backseat, her head drooping. She knew she had to act fast.

Step 1: Assessing the Scene

Before rushing in, Priya ensured her own safety. She parked her car at a safe distance, turned on her hazard lights, and grabbed her phone. Scanning the area, she noted the slick road and leaking fuel from the overturned car. The scene was dangerous but stable enough to approach.

She dialed 112 (the emergency number in her area), giving the operator precise details: “There’s been a car accident on the Western Highway near mile marker 32. Two victims, one adult, and one child. Please send an ambulance immediately.”

Step 2: First Contact and Quick Actions

Checking the Driver

Priya cautiously approached the car, calling out, “Sir, can you hear me?” The driver, later identified as 38-year-old Rohit, groaned faintly but didn’t respond. Priya noticed blood trickling from a gash on his forehead and the unnatural angle of his left leg, likely a fracture.

Checking the Child

In the backseat, 6-year-old Anya was semi-conscious. Her breathing was shallow, and her small face was pale. Priya instinctively knew the golden rule: stabilize the cervical spine. She opened the car door carefully, making sure not to jostle the wreckage or the victims.

Step 3: Stabilizing the Victims

The Driver: Rohit

Priya grabbed a scarf from her bag to create a makeshift tourniquet for the bleeding on Rohit’s head. She avoided moving his neck, suspecting potential spinal injury.

Action Taken: Applied steady pressure on the wound with a clean cloth to control bleeding.
Key Observation: No obvious signs of stopped breathing or cardiac arrest, so CPR wasn’t necessary.

The Child: Anya

For Anya, Priya kept her head in a neutral position and reassured her softly. The child’s seatbelt was tangled, so Priya decided not to remove her unless absolutely necessary.

Action Taken: Monitored breathing and kept her warm with a blanket from her car.
Key Observation: Shallow breathing but no obstruction in the airway.

Step 4: Waiting for Professional Help

Within minutes, the wail of sirens cut through the rain. Paramedics arrived and took over the scene, carefully extricating both Rohit and Anya using spinal boards to avoid further injury.

The team praised Priya for her efforts. “Your quick thinking and calm actions likely saved their lives,” one medic told her.

Tests at the Hospital

1. Diagnostic Imaging

X-rays revealed Rohit had multiple fractures, including a compound fracture in his leg.
CT scans showed no internal bleeding for Anya, but she had a mild concussion.

2. Blood Tests

Both victims were tested for potential blood loss and organ function. Rohit required a blood transfusion.

Medical Procedures

1. Rohit: Surgery for Fractures and Wounds

Rohit underwent surgery to stabilize his leg fracture with metal plates. His head wound was stitched, and he was monitored for signs of a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

2. Anya: Observation and Hydration

Anya was kept under observation for 24 hours to ensure her concussion symptoms didn’t worsen. She was given IV fluids to stabilize her hydration levels.

What Priya Did Right

Prioritized Safety: Ensured her safety before approaching the victims.
Called for Help Immediately: Gave accurate details to emergency services, speeding up their response.
Stabilized Without Moving: Kept the victims’ spines neutral to prevent further injury.
Controlled Bleeding: Used basic first aid to stop Rohit’s bleeding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do Not Move Victims: Unless there’s immediate danger, moving accident victims can worsen spinal injuries.
Avoid Crowding the Scene: Too many bystanders can obstruct rescue efforts.
Don’t Give Food or Water: Victims may need surgery, and this could cause complications.
Don’t Remove Embedded Objects: Stabilize them to prevent excessive bleeding.

A Message for All Readers

Rohit and Anya’s survival is a testament to the power of preparedness and quick thinking. Accidents can happen anytime, and knowing how to respond can save lives. Take a first aid course, stay calm in emergencies, and be the helping hand someone needs.

Priya never thought she’d face such a moment, but her actions turned a tragic night into a story of hope and survival. You, too, can be a hero in someone’s life.