What to do if you have a crash

• Stop immediately.
• Use headlights, indicator lights or hazard lights to warn other drivers, and to light up the scene if it is dark.
• If possible send someone to warn oncoming drivers.
• Help the injured.
• Dial 000 (some mobiles may require dialling 112 instead) to make contact with Police (and/or Ambulance) if anyone is killed or injured, either your vehicle or the other vehicle needs to be towed away or you are unable to provide particulars to the owner.
• Exchange drivers' names, addresses, registration numbers and names of vehicle owners with others involved in the crash.
• Clear the road of broken glass and debris.

Check for injured people

• Check for unconscious people.
• Don't move anyone unless they are in immediate danger or require first aid.
• Support broken limbs, and be careful not to twist the neck or back, if someone has to be moved.
• Lift the visor of a helmet wearer, but do not remove the helmet unless the person is vomiting or has stopped breathing.
• When removing a helmet, have one person support the head and neck while another gently lifts the helmet off from the back.

Make the crash scene as safe as possible

Watch out for your own safety, as well as that of others, after an accident has occurred and lookout for vehicles still using the road.

• Post other people around the accident to keep traffic away.
• Use headlights, indicator lights and hazard lights to warn other drivers (particularly at night).
• Keep well clear if power lines are down and touching the damaged vehicles, or flammable goods are involved.
• Ensure the motors of the vehicles involved are switched off.
• Ensure there is no smoking at the scene of the accident.

Send for help

Someone should drive, phone or use a CB radio to get help.

All Emergency services can be contacted by dialling 000.
(some mobiles may require dialling 112)

Information which should be provided when making the call includes:

• location of the accident
• number injured and nature of injury
• number trapped
• whether emergency vehicles will be required at the scene
• whether power lines are down, or flammable goods are involved.

Help the injured

Because most accident victims choke to death rather than die from their injuries, follow the DRABC of lifesaving.

Danger:

• Check for any dangers to yourself, the injured or others, especially from vehicles still using the road
• If possible reduce or remove the danger, but do not put yourself at risk

Response:

• Check if the casualty is conscious
• If the casualty is not conscious check the airway and send someone to ring 000 (some mobiles may require dialling 112 instead) for help
• If the casualty is conscious manage any bleeding and send someone to ring 000 (some mobiles may require dialling 112 instead) for help

Airways:

• Turn the victim onto their side
• Tilt the head back.
• Point the face to the ground
• Clear the mouth with fingers
• Check for breathing

Breathing:

• If casualty is not breathing start expired air resuscitation (EAR)
• If breathing returns place in the recovery position
• If breathing doesn't return feel for pulse

Circulation:

• Check for a pulse on the neck (carotid pulse)
• If pulse is absent begin CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
• If pulse returns continue EAR until breathing resumes
• If breathing returns check for bleeding
• Don't use tourniquets.
• Apply direct pressure to the wound to stop bleeding.
• Avoid contact between the victim's blood and broken parts of your skin.

Never give accident victims food or drink.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau's pamphlet "What to do at an accident scene before help arrives" provides more information and can be obtained by ringing free call 1800 621 372.

A number of organisations are accredited by WorkCover NSW to conduct first aid courses across the state. To find your closest first aid trainer ring WorkCover NSW on 13 10 50.