If any injuries happen during your trip, the first thing that needs to be done is to
secure the accident scene to make it safe to ensure someone else does not also become injured. Then
assess the situation. Decide whether or not you need emergency services and if you do, call
for or send someone for help
immediately. The emergency operator may also be able to guide you with helping the injured. If the victim is awake and responsive, ask them to tell you what is wrong. If what they say makes you suspect a spinal injury, do not move the victim. By moving them, you may risk injuring them even more. If the victim is not responsive, assume they do have a spinal injury and do not move them.
Follow these do’s and don’ts next:
Do’s:
Do – Remain Calm
Do – Treat the victim for major bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound. This pressure can help slow or stop bleeding from the wound
Do – Evaluate and if necessary treat the victim for shock:
Immediately following the crash or incident
Anytime a victim is or was unconscious
Following blunt trauma or severe jarring of the body
If a victim has broken bones
Do – Keep the victim as dry as possible
Do – Stabilize
Do – Take precautions so that you do not become the victim of an accident yourself
Do – Travel with an adequately equipped first aid kit
Do – Take a basic first aid/CPR course; it could save a life
Don'ts:
Do not offer or allow an injured person to drink any alcohol. Alcohol causes the body to lose heat and can induce hypothermia. Alcohol can cause complications for medical staff who treat the victim
Do not take or give drugs or medications, legal or not. Let medical professionals prescribe medications
Do not attempt to set broken bones
Do not overstep your training
Do not move an unconscious victim unless there is no alternative
Shock To treat shock, the victim should lie flat on their back and their legs should
be elevated. Keep them warm by covering them with extra clothing or a blanket.
Frostbite Frostbite occurs when your skin actually freezes. Things to watch out for are the skin becoming numb and a burning sensation. If the skin is already frozen, warm the skin. Do not let the skin refreeze once warmed. Seek medical attention immediately. Do not rub the skin with frozen snow. Do prevent frostbite by recognizing the danger signs and wearing the proper clothing.
Hypothermia Hypothermia is the loss of body heat to a point that the body can no longer generate its own heat, or heat escapes faster than the body can generate it. The first signs of hypothermia are uncontrollable shivering and slurred speech, followed by delirium and unconsciousness. If the person is not treated, they can ultimately die. Warming the victim is the only treatment. If someone shows signs, warm them immediately. Build a fire, hug them or huddle close together. Do whatever you can to get the victim warm. Do not give the victim alcohol.
