Did You Know?
Vehicle Accidents

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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.

1.)  If you have been in an accident or see one happen while you are out and about, first and foremost:

Do Not Make Things Worse.
2.)   Call for help.

Now is the time to call if no else has done so.  911 is prevalent through out the nation, but not all areas have it.  If you use a cellular phone, you may reach a neighboring county.  If need be, designate someone to call.
3.  Check for injuries.


    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...


4.  Control Severe Bleeding
5.)  If you have to move someone...

Gently align the neck and spine.  If you are alone, carefully drag the victim backward by clothes and/or armpits.  DO NOT pull the victim sideways, as this will aggravate spinal injuries.  If you have help, have one person support the head and neck from underneath, keeping everything inline with the spine.  Have the others lift from the sides, evenly supporting from all sides, and gently move.  Have everyone work as a team.


6.  SHOCK

    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.


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 94 hour First Responder Course or the 212 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 |




Do you have questions about joining? We have put together a short FAQ sheet on Joining and may answer some questions you may have:

New Member FAQ

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