Assist accidents victims in a coordinated way: Doc

Ludhiana, July 17

Plastic Surgery Day was observed by the Department of Plastic Surgery by conducting hands-on workshop on first aid in roadside accidents at the Government Secondary School, Sarabha Nagar. School principal Kusum presided over the event in which 100 students participated.

While delivering a keynote address on ‘Plastic Surgery Day’, Dr Sanjeev Uppal, professor and head of plastic surgery said, “When approaching an accident spot, it is important to ensure own safety first. Make sure that all traffic has stopped, otherwise there may be additional casualties. If other people are around, get them to phone emergency services.”

He said, “Victims screaming, crying and making noise means they are breathing. Thus, initial priority must be to check anyone quiet and not moving. Quickly check if silent casualties are responsive. If there is no response, check if they are breathing. If they are unresponsive and breathing, ensure they are in a position where air passage remains open. Move them the least and avoid twisting them. Support victims head and neck, never cover their ears and keeping talking to them calmly.”

He said, “If the person is not breathing, one needs to resuscitate the victim. Do not allow anyone to smoke at the accident spot. Do not give casualties anything to eat or drink following the accident. Even water given to an unconscious person can enter his airway and lead to death.” — TNS

Dos and don’ts for first aid

• Check yourself first

• Check the other person(s) for injuries

• Look for signs of breathing

• Call for help

• Check for obstructions in the person’s mouth and throat

• Perform life saving techniques like cardio pulmonary resuscitation.

• If the victim is bleeding from mouth and vomiting, turn him to a side.

• If there are extensive wounds, try to control bleeding by applying pressure with a cloth. 

• If the person’s neck is in an awkward position or is unconscious, do not move the patient. 

• Patient should be transported to a hospital on a stretcher or a stiff board. 

• Keep person’s neck and back straight. A rolled up towel or thick cloth can be placed under neck for better support.

• If there is only a limb injury, the patient can be moved in a sitting position.

• In case of a bleeding injury, lift the injured part above victim’s body level and apply pressure on the region. 

• If a victim stops breathing on way to a hospital, one must be prepared to start CPR or EAR.