India recorded over 1.80 lakh road accident deaths in 2024, averaging nearly one life lost every 3 minutes. These aren’t just numbers, they represent people who might have been saved with timely help.
The reality is, that most bystanders freeze or panic during such emergencies, not because they don’t care, but because they don’t know what to do. In those first few minutes after an accident, the right action can mean the difference between life and death.
That’s why learning basic first aid for road traffic accidents is more than just useful, it’s vital. In this blog, we’ll guide you through 7 essential first-aid steps you can take before emergency services arrive, helping you stay prepared to act quickly, calmly, and effectively when it matters most.
Why is First Aid Necessary?
First Aid is necessary to address the pain and suffering caused by fatal accidents. It can aid the patient until he receives immediate health or medical support from emergency care. Learning first aid Tips can help even during fire accidents or any health emergencies. Read more to learn the seven steps to first aid. You must know these basic first aid steps as they will significantly help during immediate support.
What are the 7 steps of first aid?
Step 1.
Secure yourself: If you or your near one is hurt make sure you don’t panic try to breathe and move to a safer place.
Step 2.
Check the person’s response: Make sure, the person affected is active and conscious. If he has lost some blood, it is important to keep him awake and responding.
Step 3.
Use the emergency Call line: Use emergency helpline number 108 to call an ambulance for immediate help. If necessary, take the patient to the nearest hospital to give him the best treatment in the emergency department. Don’t delay in admitting the patient, if you’re nearby, head straight to Meridian Hospital in Kolathur for urgent care.
Step 4.
Move only if necessary: If you don’t know how to carry or move the person in danger it’s better to let him relax. If it’s an emergency situation like a fire accident then move him immediately to a safer place.
Step 5.
Don’t Move the Person (Unless Necessary): If there’s no immediate danger (like fire), don’t move the victim. Moving them could cause more harm. If you need to move him immediately, be extra careful while holding their head and back.
Step 6.
Look for airway congestion: If the person is choking or unable to breathe make sure to clear his airway passage, this will help him feel better. If the person is still not responding then give him CPR to help him from choking.
Step 7.
Heal the wounded area: If the person is bleeding heavily make sure to clean his wound with a cloth and try to stop the flow of the blood. Be around the person and keep him calm and relaxed until you receive help from a 24/7 Emergency care provider.
Common mistakes to avoid during first aid
- First Aid for an injured person must be given with utmost care. Do not rub or irritate the area of injury.
- Do not crowd the person at the place of the accident, help him breathe, and give the family of the affected one some space.
- Do not waste time observing or taking videos instead make sure there is no one around him and try to help him with immediate care.
- Do not perform CPR if you are not trained this will only further worsen his case it is better to take him to the immediate hospital centre.
- Do not try to tilt the head or neck of the injured person; this may sometimes block the airway, causing difficulty in breathing.
Road safety Guidelines to follow
The guidelines laid by the traffic police of India are important to follow. Every country has its specific road policies that we must not break to be safe and avoid accidents.
1.”Don’t drink and drive.”
- Always carry your driver’s license and insurance papers; it will help during uncertain accidents. Do not drive rashly or be too adventurous. This may lead to accidents. Let’s be more cautious.
- Always wear your helmets and seatbelts while driving. Do not use cell phones while driving if it is urgent do find a corner parking space or park left.
- Do not overtake from the left side; this will lead to accidents that always follow the right-hand side rule.
Conclusion
There are lakhs of accidents happening in India every day. A number of patients are rushed to hospitals every day due to road accidents. These accidents occur due to negligence and breaking the guidelines of road traffic. Following the necessary 7 steps of First-Aid to help your near and dear ones during road accidents. Stay safe and reach out to immediate helplines for emergency support.
Emergency Call: 044 6666 9999 to receive immediate health support for road accident injuries.
FAQs
How to perform First-Aid for road accidents?
There are 7 steps to First Aid: These include securing to a safe place, checking the person’s response, Calling an emergency helpline, Moving if necessary, looking for airway congestion, and healing the wounded area.
Is CPR for road accidents necessary?
CPR or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is performed to give life-support to patients suffering from chest pain or breathing due to road accidents. It is advised to perform CPR only if you are trained to kindly resort to immediate helplines to resolve critical conditions.
Why is First Aid necessary?
First Aid is necessary because it helps save the lives of people during sudden accidents. Immediate care and kneading of the wounds of the injured are essential to help your near and dear ones.
Are there any First Aid Tips? Some quick and essential tips are to give ice packs and wash the burning area with cold water. Call108 or your nearby hospital for emergency admission.
Why are road safety rules important? It’s important to know and follow the road safety rules to stay protected. Driving rashly and carelessly breaking these rules can lead to accidents and fatal death.