First Aid at Motor Vehicle Accidents

<h1>First Aid at Motor Vehicle Accidents</h1>Author: <a title="Jason Durham" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/jason-durham/85723.htm">Jason Durham</a> One of the most common emergency situations you will likely come across is Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVAs). While checking the scene for danger is a universal concept applied to all emergencies and first aid, MVAs present several unique and specific hazards: Traffic, Fire/Explosion, Stored Kinetic Energy, Airbags, Electrical Lines, Broken Glass and Unstable Vehicles are among the most obvious. In this article I will talk about the first three. Traffic The biggest threat at almost any MVA is not the accident itself but the vehicles zooming by, oblivious to both your presence and the threat they present.  If you are going to put yourself at risk to help, always try to position another vehicle between yourself and the area you are working in to create a protective barrier.  Don’t worry if this slows down the roadway, that’s just what you want; and emergency crews will do the same thing when they arrive. Cones, flares and reflective vests can increase visibility and possibly warn traffic ahead of time; however I don’t recommend trying to direct traffic yourself.  If somebody will not steer around or slow down for a stopped vehicle they certainly won’t for a pedestrian (no matter how brightly garbed) either. Fire/Explosion Any vehicle which has been in an accident has the potential to leak fuel, create electrical or friction sparks and either burst into flame or explode at any time.  Even the upholstery and interior contents can burn very rapidly, with extreme intensity. Never go near or enter a vehicle, from which smoke or flame are evident except under the most dire circumstances. As you approach take note of any liquids/fuels leaking from the underside.  Make sure not to absorb any flammable substances onto your shoes or clothing.  If there is any kind of slope or breeze it is generally safer to be uphill and upwind. Stored Kinetic Energy Anywhere a vehicle has been bent or compressed it holds potential kinetic energy.  This means that the structures of the vehicle will have a tendency to return to their original shape, much like a spring.  This occurs violently and without warning.  When doors, hatches, fenders and particularly bumpers release they can cause tremendous damage to anyone they contact, as well as flinging debris with great velocity. Try approach the vehicle at an angle, so that when the energy releases you will not be in its path. Summary Using the information provided in this newsletter will give you greater control over the situation; however there may be factors beyond your influence. If you are unsure:  Keep Yourself Safe! In future articles I will continue discussing MVAs and the hazards they present.About the Author: A professional Fire Fighter and Canadian Red Cross Instructor, Jason Durham is the Owner and Head Instructor of Frontline First Aid and Emergency Training. 
Frontline offers Simple Skills, Practical Instruction and Guaranteed Confidence to Act. 
Jason has also worked as an Oil Field Medic, Ski Patroller, Fire Service Instructor and Mountain Safety Coordinator, bringing years of experience to his classes and newsletters. 
His passion for instructing and the ability to bring the real world into the classroom give Frontline's students the confidence to Be the Difference. 
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.frontlinefirstaid.ca">http://www.frontlinefirstaid.ca</a>Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/first-aid-at-motor-vehicle-accidents-587481.html" title="First Aid at Motor Vehicle Accidents">First Aid at Motor Vehicle Accidents</a>

One of the most common emergency situations you will likely come across is Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVAs).

While checking the scene for danger is a universal concept applied to all emergencies and first aid, MVAs present several unique and specific hazards:
Traffic, Fire/Explosion, Stored Kinetic Energy, Airbags, Electrical Lines, Broken Glass and Unstable Vehicles are among the most obvious.

In this article I will talk about the first three.

Traffic

The biggest threat at almost any MVA is not the accident itself but the vehicles zooming by, oblivious to both your presence and the threat they present.

If you are going to put yourself at risk to help, always try to position another vehicle between yourself and the area you are working in to create a protective barrier. Don’t worry if this slows down the roadway, that’s just what you want; and emergency crews will do the same thing when they arrive.
Cones, flares and reflective vests can increase visibility and possibly warn traffic ahead of time; however I don’t recommend trying to direct traffic yourself. If somebody will not steer around or slow down for a stopped vehicle they certainly won’t for a pedestrian (no matter how brightly garbed) either.

Fire/Explosion

Any vehicle which has been in an accident has the potential to leak fuel, create electrical or friction sparks and either burst into flame or explode at any time. Even the upholstery and interior contents can burn very rapidly, with extreme intensity.

Never go near or enter a vehicle, from which smoke or flame are evident except under the most dire circumstances.

As you approach take note of any liquids/fuels leaking from the underside. Make sure not to absorb any flammable substances onto your shoes or clothing. If there is any kind of slope or breeze it is generally safer to be uphill and upwind.

Stored Kinetic Energy

Anywhere a vehicle has been bent or compressed it holds potential kinetic energy. This means that the structures of the vehicle will have a tendency to return to their original shape, much like a spring. This occurs violently and without warning.

When doors, hatches, fenders and particularly bumpers release they can cause tremendous damage to anyone they contact, as well as flinging debris with great velocity.

Try approach the vehicle at an angle, so that when the energy releases you will not be in its path.

Summary

Using the information provided in this newsletter will give you greater control over the situation; however there may be factors beyond your influence.

If you are unsure: Keep Yourself Safe!

In future articles I will continue discussing MVAs and the hazards they present.

A professional Fire Fighter and Canadian Red Cross Instructor, Jason Durham is the Owner and Head Instructor of Frontline First Aid and Emergency Training.
Frontline offers Simple Skills, Practical Instruction and Guaranteed Confidence to Act.
Jason has also worked as an Oil Field Medic, Ski Patroller, Fire Service Instructor and Mountain Safety Coordinator, bringing years of experience to his classes and newsletters.
His passion for instructing and the ability to bring the real world into the classroom give Frontline's students the confidence to Be the Difference.
http://www.frontlinefirstaid.ca

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/first-aid-at-motor-vehicle-accidents-587481.html

Article Tags: Training, Traffic, Safety, First Aid, CPR, Kinetic Energy, Explosion, Motor Vehicle Accident, Mva

Related Videos
Related Articles
Ask / Related Q&A

Play

How to Inspect Vehicle Lamps

Play

How to Tell if Vehicle May Have Shifted.

Play

How to Take the Proper Photos of a Damaged Vehicle

Play

What to If Stuck in Traffic

Play

Fix your Car Dent With a Hair Dryer

1. femi (08:57, 13.03.2009)

where is the second part?

Latest Advice Articles
More from Jason Durham

get over ex boyfriend

By: Julia Matiko | 02/01/2010
For most individuals, been dumped are the worst of all nightmares. You normally you can't sleep, eat, rest and relax because when you look at something, it triggers memories of your ex. To get over an ex is ne'er painless for many individuals. It takes purpose and will power to overpower your emotions and live through it every day. If you want to know how to get over an ex, then this information will surely service you to focus on moving on with your life.

How do you handle being just friends with your ex boyfriend when

By: Julia Matiko | 02/01/2010
I've found that most individuals, breakups are the worst of all experiences. You normally you can not catch some Z's, eat, rest and relax because when you think about something, it reminds you of your past lover. Getting over your ex is never painless for most individuals. It takes decision and self-will to overtake your emotions and live through it every day. If you desire to know how to get over an ex, then this report will certainly service you to focus on advancing with your life.

Am I still pathetic for holding feelings for an ex-boyfriend

By: Julia Matiko | 02/01/2010
I've found that most individuals, been dumped are the worst of all nightmares. Usually you can not sleep, eat, rest and relax because when you look at something, it triggers memories of your ex. Getting over your ex is ne'er easy for most individuals. It needs purpose and will power to overtake your emotions and get over it each day. If you desire to know how to get over an ex, then this article will for sure service you to focus on moving on with your life.

Does anyone know some ways to get over an ex boyfriend

By: Julia Matiko | 02/01/2010
I've found that most individuals, been dumped are the worst of all experiences. Normally you can't sleep, eat, rest and relax because when you look at something, it reminds you of your past lover. To get over an ex is ne'er easy for many individuals. It requires purpose and will power to overtake your emotions and get through it each day. If you require to know how to get over an ex, then this report will for sure assist you to stress on going on with your life.

Exgirlfriend dumped me and having hard time letting go. I still

By: Julia Matiko | 02/01/2010
I've found that a lot of individuals, breakups are the worst of all experiences. You normally you can't catch some Z's, eat, rest and relax because every time you think about something, it reminds you of your ex. To get over an ex is ne'er painless for many individuals. It takes decision and self-will to overcome your emotions and get over it every day. If you require to know how to get over an ex, then this report will for sure help you to stress on progressing with your life.

How do you handle being just friends with your ex boyfriend when

By: Julia Matiko | 02/01/2010
I've found that many people, breakups are the worst of all experiences. Usually you can't sleep, eat, rest and relax because every time you think about something, it reminds you of your ex. Getting over an ex is ne'er easy for most people. It requires purpose and willpower to overtake your emotions and live through it each day. If you require to know how to get over an ex, then this information will certainly assist you to stress on moving on with your life.

get over ex him

By: Julia Matiko | 02/01/2010
For a lot of people, breakups are the worst of all experiences. You normally you can't sleep, eat, rest and relax because every time you look at something, it triggers memories of your past lover. Getting over an ex is never easy for most people. It takes decision and willpower to overpower your emotions and get through it every day. If you need to know how to get over an ex, then this information will certainly service you to stress on moving on with your life.

How can i get over this feeling about my Girlfriend Ex's

By: Julia Matiko | 02/01/2010
For many individuals, breakups are the worst of all experiences. You normally you can't catch some Z's, eat, rest and relax because every time you look at something, it reminds you of your ex. Getting over an ex is never simple for many individuals. It takes decision and willpower to overcome your emotions and live through it each day. If you want to know how to get over an ex, then this information will for sure assist you to focus on advancing with your life.