First aid Tips - At the scene of an accident

At the scene of an accident
First, you should assess the scene for danger. You cannot help anyone if you are injured.
Make the area safe
Ensure it''s safe to treat the casualties at the site. For example, at the site of a road accident you need to stop the flow of traffic.
Assess the situation
Look out for any continuing danger, to yourself and others
Make a first assessment of the casualties - is anybody in immediate danger?
Is there anybody to help you?
Do you need to call the emergency services?
Quiet casualties should always be your first priority
A quiet casualty may be an indication that the person is unconscious. Quiet casualties should always be your first priority.
A casualty who is bleeding heavily or is obviously in pain is upsetting, but a quiet casualty could be in the most serious condition and you should always attend to them first.
Actions
Check casualties using this list:
Response: is the casualty conscious?
Airway: can the casualty breathe normally?
Breathing: is the casualty breathing normally?
Further actions
Ask others to help you to:
Make the area safe
Call for help
Maintain dignity of casualties, for example by screening them from view
Administer general help in supporting limbs, offering reassurance and so on
This article was reviewed by the British Red Cross in April 2007