Respond to vehicle accident
6e.
Tell how you should respond if you come upon the scene of a vehicular accident.
Coming upon a crash you had no part in is a specific, disorienting situation — the scene itself can be dangerous, and knowing the right order of actions keeps you from becoming a second victim.
Your Response, In Order
- Check for danger first — oncoming traffic, fuel leaks, downed power lines. Park safely away from the scene and turn on hazard lights before you approach.
- Call for emergency help immediately, giving your location as precisely as you can (see requirement 6d).
- Don’t move injured people unless they’re in immediate danger, such as fire — moving someone with a possible spinal injury can make it worse.
- Provide first aid within your training while waiting for responders — control severe bleeding, watch for shock, and reassure the injured.
- Direct traffic or warn other drivers if it’s safe to do so, without putting yourself in the road.
What Not to Do
Don’t crowd the scene, don’t move a vehicle or victim unnecessarily, and don’t leave before emergency responders arrive unless you’re the only one who can call for help from a location with signal. Stay ready to tell responders what you saw and what you did.