Reinhardt

No doubt an accident like this will cause others to stop and offer assistance. Since you have some training and others due look to those in charge here is what I recommend.

Make the scene safe; assign traffic control to someone to prevent further accidents. Put down road flares, or something similar to direct cars away from the “accident.” Send someone else to call 1-1-2, 9-9-9, or 9-1-1. Whichever works in your area. I was not aware of 1-1-2 being used in England, just Europe. <img src="images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Visually inspect for gross injuries and hemorrhage. Determine Level of Consciousness (LOC) DO NOT MOVE the injured unless absolutely avoidable i.e. threat of fire. Move a person only if you have training to do so. Be prepared to explain your reasons why you moved a person.

Since you mentioned it I will touch on the ABC’s briefly. ABCCDDE A= Airway, B= Breathing, C= Circulation and C-Spine (cervical spine) D= Disability and Degree of injury E= Expose to treat—Remove only enough clothing to treat any life threatening injuries. Immobilize and maintain neutral alignment of the head and neck. Check pulse (circulation) rate and rhythm. Respiration rate and depth. LOC= Alert, Stuporous, Arousable, Oriented/Disoriented or Unconscious. Ask if conscious and female if they suspect they could be pregnant. Check for any medical condition identifiers i.e. Med-Alert Bracelets. Never treat outside of your level of training. I do not know if countries outside the US and Canada have anything like the “Good Samaritan Laws” which means you have some protection from stopping to help.

A person who is thrown across the bonnet (car hood) is probably going to have significant head and other injuries. Maintain and protect the airway first and foremost. Follow the ABC’s, treat gross hemorrhage and gross deformities (broken bones) finally treat for shock. With head injuries you will most likely have a “combative patient.” Any attempts at proper immobilization will usually be rewarded with the person fighting your best efforts. Do the best that you can and maintain Head, C-Spine immobilization and the ABC’s.

Since I spend time volunteering for a local ambulance service, I am always grateful to the first responders on the scene. I must however say that others I work with are not at all thankful, be prepared for this "attitude." IMHO these paramedics have over an developed bicep from pushing a first responder out of the way. Either way be prepared to give a oral report to the ambulance, or fire crew. Ask if you are needed further, or if they need your help. Leave only when you have been excused. I have had people walk off who began basic first aid and I either did not get to thank them or never had a chance to ask them what they saw before I arrived on the scene. In cases like this (major trauma) things always tend to happen very fast and we forget to ask simple things on the patient. Did you note extremity movement for example, when they now have none. This is crucial in properly assessing degree of injuries.

Take care,
Stargazer

ASAP= Always Suspicious Always Prepared