First Aid

TRAFFIC INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

What is the traffic incident management?

TRAFFIC INCIDENT MENEGMENT

The severity of traffic incident management can range from a fall from a bicycle to g major vehicle crash involving many casualties. Often, the incident site will present serious risks to safety, largely because of passing traffic.

traffic incidents

It is essential to make the incident area safe before attending to any casualties. this protects you. the casualties, and other road users. Once the area is safe, quickly assess the casualties and prioritize treatment.

Give first aid to those with life-threatening injuries before treating anyone else. Call 999/911 for emergency help, giving as much detail as you can about the incident, indicating the number and age of the casualties, and types of injury.

MAKING THE INCIDENT AREA SAFE

Do not put yourself or others in further danger. Take the following precautions.

  • Park safely, well clear of the incident site, set your hazard lights flashing, and put on a high-visibility jacket/vest if you have one.
  • Set up warning triangles or another vehicle with hazard lights] at least 45m (49yd) from the incident in each direction; bystanders can do this while you attend to the casualty. If possible, send helpers to warn other drivers to slow down.
  • Make vehicles safe. For example, switch olf the ignition of any damaged vehicle and, if you can, disconnect the battery. Pull the supply cut-off on large diesel vehicles; this is normally found on the outside of the vehicle and will be marked
  • Stabilize vehicles. If a vehicle is upright, apply the handbrake, put it in gear, and/or place blocks in front 0f the wheels. If it is on its side, do not attempt to right it, but try to prevent it from rolling over further.
  • Watch out for physical dangers, such as traffic. Make sure that no-one smokes anywhere near the incident.
  • Alert the emergency services to damaged power lines, spilt fuel or any vehicles with Hazchem signs (opposite).
TRAFFIC INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

WARN OTHER ROAD USERS

Ask a bystander to set up warning triangles in both directions. Advise the person to watch for Other vehicles while she is doing this.

ASSESSING THE CASUALTIES

Quickly assess for first aid any casualties by carrying out a primary survey. Deal first with those who have life-threatening injuries.

Assume that any casualty who has been involved in a road-traffic incident may have a neck or spinal injury. If possible, treat casualties in the position in which you find them, supporting the head and neck at all times, and wait for the emergency services.

Search the area around the incident thoroughly to make sure you do not overlook any casualty who may have been thrown clear, or who has wandered away from the site.

Bystanders can help. If a person is trapped inside or under a vehicle, she will need to be released by the fire service. Monitor and record the casualty’s vital signs-level of response, breathing, and pulse while you are waiting.

SPECIAL CASE HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

Traffic incidents may be complicated by spillages of substances or toxic vapors. Keep bystanders away from the scene and stand upwind of the vehicle.

Hazchem signs on the back of the vehicle indicate that it may be carrying a potentially dangerous substance.

Give all the details to the emergency services so they can assess the risks involved. If in doubt about your safety or the meaning of a symbol, keep your distance.

If the top-left panel 0f a sign contains the letter “E”, the substance is a public safety hazard.

TRAFFIC INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

CAUTION

  • Do not cross a motorway to attend to an incident or casualty.
  • Al night, wear or carry something light or reflective, such as a high-visibility jacket, and use a torch
  • Do not the casualty unless it is absolutely necessary. If you do have to move her, the method will depend on the casualty’s condition and available help.
  • Be aware that road surfaces may be slippery because of fuel, oil, or even ice.
  • Watch out for undeployed airbags and unactivated seat-belt tensioners
  • Find out as much as you can about the incident and relay this information to the emergency services when they arrive.
TRAFFIC INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

CASUALTY IN A VEHICLE

Assume that any injured casualty in a vehicle has a neck injury. Support the head while you await help. Reassure her and keep her ears uncovered s0 that she can hear you.

You can find courses to learn more about the Traffic Incident Management

Here is one Traffic Incident Management: TIM Training & Resources

To learn more…

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