First rule of anyone pulling to the accident is: Scene safety.

You have to look when you are coming upon the accident and make notes about nature of the accident, mechanism of injury, what sort of accident is it (tractor trailer with load of petrol or just two passenger cars), look at surroundings (downed power lines/spills/etc etc), try counting number of victims... and call 911. All that stuff I just mentioned is done from the distance. If there is a spill, contaminated area, possible explosives or maybe it’s a crime scene (sniper shooting) with perpetrator still present it is in your best interest when something goes off to be pretty far away. If there is a truck involved look for the hazmat tags (blue/yellow, white and red) and try to note all the markings so you can tell it to the operator.

When you get in touch with an operator you are going to tell them all that info you just observed so they can notify right units. And wait for the proper authorities. Above will determine if fired dept needs to be sent to contain gas spill, if people are pinned, if there are injuries or maybe hazmat team needs to suit up. I personally love when people who call 911 give me all the above info and most important proper location of the accident.

BUT

I understand that you are not talking about major disasters but regular accidents that happen every day. Above will still apply. It’s just that most likely you will already be on top of the accident scene either because traffic brought you there or because you are the first one who came upon the scene.

Under no circumstances you should attempt to remove a person out of the car unless you know proper methods of extrication (and it takes two at least to do anyway plus equipment is needed). In extreme cases proper extrication methods are ditched in order to get somebody out ASAP but everything humanly possible is done to keep the spine in line. If you want to keep the scene safe block it with your car at least 50 -100 feet away and lay down the flares (your initial observation will tell you if it’s safe example: no flares on overturned propane tanker scene). If there are fumes or potential Hazmat situation you try to be upwind at least 250 feet – 500 feet away (farther the better). Don’t hurt yourself, people involved in the accident would give EMS enough work without you getting hurt.

As far as the care goes. Advice people even those who feel all right to stay in their cars. No need for anyone to wonder around and collapse or get hit by incoming traffic. I usually ask them to remain in their cars until ambulance comes so people can get evaluated, and EMT will hear with his own ears that patient stated: “I’m fine I don’t need help” and get Refusal of Medical Attention form signed. It makes no difference for me that I’m an EMT. I’m not the unit assigned to this job and even if I’m there to help I will not interfere unless I see life threatening conditions. Also remember that if somebody has a collapsed airway and you start cpr you have to stay there until you are cleared. No matter what else you see you can’t stop unless of course you are in danger. With car accidents injuries may not be that visible. Seat belts, airbags will prevent a lot of external injuries but they may cause or not protect from internal ones and what you don’t see is very dangerous.

Don’t take statements, don’t try to reason with one driver or another, just be sympathetic but don’t throw any judgment. If by any chance you are qualified to provide care (and started one) you have to wait for EMS units to arrive in order to transfer care otherwise you are negligent and it can cost you your license. In order to get a proper count don’t only look in the cars some people can be ejected from the vehicle. When police arrives make your statement and tell them everything. Tell EMTs what you’ve seen. Maybe drives was unconscious when you got there but now he is out of the car and walking. Any info will be appreciated.

BUT

America(ns) wouldn’t be today what we are if it wasn’t for heroes. If it wasn’t for people who ignored all sense of danger and were brave enough to do thing that saved countless lives. I lost track of the amount of times I acted like a cowboy in order to get to the patient faster or to work in dangerous conditions even if that meant risking my life. But it was a calculated risk. Use your judgment; think about your family, girlfriend, friends, dog, cat, hobbies and life. Is it worth it? Use common sense. And don’t get hurt or overreact.

Matt