Be prepared to deal with any accident situation with proper first aid methods.

Accidents can happen anywhere, anytime, and to anyone, whether caused by car accidents or daily activities. Having basic knowledge of first aid is important to help alleviate the severity of symptoms before medical teams or rescue units arrive to assist.

What to do immediately when encountering an accident

When encountering an accident or emergency situation, such as someone injured in a road accident, quick assistance is crucial. The following steps should be taken:

• Check the safety of the rescuer first before helping the injured to prevent secondary accidents, such as parking the vehicle in a safe place, turning on hazard lights, and quickly scanning the area for other risks, such as passing vehicles, fuel leaks, electrical leaks, or flames.
• Assess each injured person’s severity. If unable to provide full assistance or if the situation is unsafe, immediately call the emergency medical center for help at 1669 or the local hospital, for example, Phyathai Phaholyothin Hospital Tel. 1772.
• After calling 1669, you can ask for advice from the staff for explanations and initial assistance without hanging up.
• Provide complete initial information including the accident location, landmarks or coordinates, number of injured persons, symptoms, and the incident details so that the team can be dispatched appropriately.

Basic first aid at the scene to help accident victims

Before medical teams or rescue personnel arrive, first aid can be given based on the type and severity of the injury, such as:

• In case of minor injuries such as abrasions or small wounds, clean the wound with clean water, dry it with a clean cloth, then cover the wound with gauze or a plaster to reduce the risk of infection.
• In case of severe injuries such as heavy bleeding, use a clean cloth to press on the wound to stop the bleeding. Press firmly enough to stop the blood and position the injured person safely until medical help arrives. If a fracture or spinal injury is suspected, avoid moving the injured person.

Bleeding control in unconscious or unresponsive injured persons

Bleeding control in cases of heavy bleeding should be done quickly to reduce blood loss and prevent shock, with the following steps:

• Do not touch the blood or bodily fluids of the injured directly. If possible, wear rubber gloves or cover your hands with plastic bags, then use a clean cloth or bandage to press firmly on the wound for at least 5-10 minutes to stop the bleeding. If blood seeps through the cloth, do not remove it but add another layer on top. Avoid frequently checking the wound as it may disturb blood clotting. If the wound is on an arm or leg, elevate it above heart level to reduce blood flow. Do not apply ice directly to the wound as it may increase the risk of further injury.
• After bleeding stops, wrap the wound with an elastic bandage firmly enough to prevent further bleeding.
• If there is a foreign object embedded in the wound, let a doctor remove it to avoid further injury and excessive blood loss.
• Do not give food or drink to injured persons with heavy blood loss as it may be dangerous.
• Bleeding control may affect waiting time if surgery is required.

First aid for unconscious but breathing persons

First aid for unconscious but breathing persons, if there is no suspicion of neck or back injury, can be done as follows:

• Call emergency medical services as soon as possible.
• Do not move the injured person unless necessary for safety from hazardous surroundings.
• Closely observe symptoms including breathing, facial expression, and consciousness level continuously until emergency medical teams arrive. Provide all observed information to the medical team. If breathing stops, call for help from nearby people to bring an AED device and start CPR immediately with chest compressions at a steady rate of 100-120 compressions per minute until medical help arrives.
• Do not give water or food to unconscious persons as they may choke.
• If the unconscious person has convulsions, do not try to hold them down or put anything in their mouth. Prevent the head from hitting the ground or surroundings and wait until the convulsions stop.

How to provide first aid for fractures or dislocations?

First aid for injured persons with fractures or dislocations includes the following:

• Do not attempt to pull or realign the bones yourself as it may worsen the injury.
• If it is necessary to remove clothing around the injury, cut along the seams to avoid moving the joints or bones.
• Apply cold compresses using cloth or ice packs to reduce swelling and relieve pain, but do not place ice directly on the skin.
• Use cloth or available materials to immobilize and support the injured joint or bone in a stable position without movement.
• Elevate the injured limb to help reduce swelling.
• Observe for other symptoms such as numbness or loss of movement in extremities.
• There may be nerve injuries, nerve compression, or other complications requiring urgent treatment. Provide this information to medical teams and avoid unnecessary movement of the injured person as improper movement may worsen the condition, such as causing additional fractures or nerve and blood vessel damage.
• Do not give food or drink as surgery or anesthesia may be required, which carries a risk of choking during treatment.
• If unsure or unable to assess neck or spinal injuries, do not move, turn, or reposition the patient unnecessarily as it may cause nerve compression leading to disability.

First aid for head injuries from accidents when the injured person can sit, stand, walk, or communicate

Proper first aid can be divided into cases with open wounds and without open wounds as follows:

• In case of open wounds on the scalp

• Use a clean cloth to gently press on the wound to stop bleeding. If a skull fracture is suspected, do not press directly on the wound but cover it with a clean cloth instead.
• Apply cold compresses using a cloth-wrapped ice pack or gel pack on the injured area to reduce swelling. Apply for 10-15 minutes every hour.
• If the injured person has a neck or skull fracture, do not move the head or neck and wait for medical assistance.
• If abnormal symptoms are observed, such as weakness in limbs, bleeding or fluid from ears or nose, call an ambulance immediately and do not allow the injured person to drink water or take medication until advised by a doctor.

• In case of no open wounds on the scalp

• If the injured person is conscious, ask if they feel dizzy, have a headache, or nausea. If symptoms are mild, have them rest in a safe place.
• Observe for changes. If symptoms worsen or abnormal signs appear, such as severe headache, projectile vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, or seizures, seek medical attention or call an ambulance immediately.

If you or someone close to you experiences an accident or is unsure about basic first aid, contact the emergency help center or hotline Phyathai Phaholyothin Hospital Tel. 1772 as soon as possible. We have an emergency medical team and healthcare personnel ready to care for accident victims in all cases with expertise and care, equipped with modern treatment equipment and technology, as well as a rapid emergency notification system to ensure you and your loved ones receive prompt treatment. Every second counts in saving lives, so we are ready to stand by you in every emergency situation.

Dr. Chitinun Boonsukchitseri
Emergency Medicine Physician
Accident and Emergency Center