Americans and their love affair with the automobile.  Chances are you will see or be involved in a motor vehicle accident.  We call these M.V.A. or 10-50's.  The worst we face in the emergency medical field is to be called out for a 10-50 PI or personal injury.  If you see a M.V.A and it is a PI, would you know what to do?  We sure hope so, but just in case you are unsure, please read on.

We will take you through a few steps that just might make a difference.

• If you can safely pass beyond the accident scene, do so.
• Pull over to the side of the road, turn on your emergency flashers and leave your parking lights on to warn other drivers and cars.
• Remember, emergency crews will be bringing in large pieces of equipment such as ambulances., fire trucks and rescue trucks.  Some of these may need to turn around, so park your vehicle accordingly.
• Carefully approach the accident.  Scene safety is an emergency crews first priority and so should yours.  Do not approach if you see downed electrical wires on the vehicles and warn others.  Be aware of possible fires and other hazardous materials.
• If you can safely reach the ignition, turn off all the vehicles involved.  Do not move an injured person to reach the keys.
  
•  This simple act could keep the situation from becoming worse such as a fire. 
  

• Be prepared to give an exact location such as an Interstate, State, County or Township road number or name.
• Most accidents happen at intersections, give a crossing road or the nearest one possible.
• Give the dispatcher the number of vehicles involved
• The people hurt and if possible the extent of their injuries.
• The dispatcher always hangs up first. 

• Are the victims awake and responsive?  You can do this by simply asking them their name.  If they respond, encourage them not to move.
•  If they are not responsive to you, check to see if they are breathing.  If they are not breathing,  Make Sure breathing has stopped. Can you hear breathing?  Can you see the chest rise and fall?  Can you feel breathing?
• If they are not breathing, the airway needs to be opened.  For many this simple act will allow the victim to begin breathing on their own.  Gently move the head into its normal "eyes front" position and lower the jaw.
• Listen for gurgling or gagging...Both are a sign of a blocked airway.  If you hear either after opening the mouth, gently clear it of any obstructions.
• If the victim is still not breathing, begin artificial respiration.




Never move a victim unless there are life threatening hazards such as fire or rising water. Remember - More would be rescuers die that actual victims...

• Press firmly against any wounds with some sort of bandage, preferably a thick pad of clean cloth or sterile dressing.
• If possible, make sure you wear rubber or latex gloves. Most first aid kits now come with these gloves.
• Do not remove any pad or dressing you have applied.  Removing may open the blood clot and increase blood loss.  Always add more pads or dressing on top of each other.
• Apply continuous pressure and if an arm or leg, elevate above the level of the heart.
• DO NOT apply a tourniquet unless the injury is life threatening.  If you apply a tourniquet, all flesh beyond the tourniquet will be lost and will have to be amputated. 

Shock occurs when a victim's circulatory system doesn't provide enough blood to the body or brain.  A person doesn't have to appear injured to suffer from shock - in fact shock victims often walk, talk and at first seem merely "shaken up".  THere are many causes of shock and have different names, but all kill.  Many times injuries will not kill a victim, but shock will.

• SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF SHOCK

Moist clammy skin, dilated pupils, a weak and rapid pulse, shivering, thirst, nausea and vomiting, shallow breathing, weakness, a vacant expression and a detached attitude.

• TREATMENT FOR SHOCK

Have the victim lie down on a blanket or other warm area and wrap them up to conserve their body heat.  Gently raise their feet above the level of their heart (8" - 10").  If the victim is nauseated, have them lie on their sides.  Talk to the victim and reassure them help is on the way.

This is all a good start, but we cannot give you all of the necessary information to cover all of the possibilities.  We suggest that you register for basic first aid classes, CPR training, and if you feel you still want to learn more, there are more advanced life support training you can attend such as a 60 hour First Responder Course or the 144 hour Emergency Medical Technician Course.

Please feel free to contact the Mountain Ambulance Service, your local Rescue Squad  or your local technical college for more information on these courses in your area.

Other sources of information include: | National Safety Council | American Trauma Society |