Qld Traffic Crash guide? Effective 1 Jan 2015

[Gadget]

Saw this on FaceBook and wondered if it were true.

My thoughts on this, if it is true, are:

I'm not qualified to judge if someone needs testing for drugs or alcohol, nor am I qualified to decide if traffic needs directing around hazards.

I am most certainly not qualified to assess if someone needs medical attention. Some people can be seriously injured and not feel pain due to adrenalin, shock etc. Shock can be the silent killer also. I have seen someone completely shut down due to shock at a vehicle accident and it was fortunate Ambulances where already there.

Current First Aid Training says if you witness a traffic accident first call 000 then check for casualties.

So I think I will continue to call 000 in the event of a accident.

[Nigel]

Yes agree, my rule of thumb is, If I can help I will, but, only to the scope of my knowledge. Until med staff arrive.Never play the hero..

[gaz]

 

[Pocket STocker]

Absolutely Nigel. You can only do what you can do, but I must say that reassurance is just as important even if you feel as though there is nothing else you can do. If you can stay with the casualty and reassure that help is on the way and talk to them regardless of level of consciousness.

Pockey 

[Kev Murphy]

I once witnessed an unqualified person attempting to pull an injured person from a vehicle before emergency workers arrived.. unfortunately, the accident victim had a broken neck, and the would-be helper contibuted to the quad paralysis that was the outcome.

I stay well clear of accidents, as I do not have the knowledge to assist.

[Totgas]

Saw this on FaceBook and wondered if it were true.

Yes, it is. QPS are just formalising practice that has been supported for a number of years, the same way QH is doing a similar promotion suggesting people don't attend ED's unless that really need to.
As to the ability to make a judgement call - if in doubt call 000.

Other tips:-

• turn on hazard lights
  
• remove personnel to a safe spot if possible as the chances of a secondary crash is greater that 75%
• take photos of everything including the front and back of the other drivers licence

Cheers,

A.

[atoyot]

I think that the main point here is to stop people involving emergency services for minor accidents, as some people still think that even a minor accident is like a crime scene, and refuse to move cars until the police arrive.

When coming across any accident that looks serious (as mentioned in the brochure) and may involve power lines, fuel spills, injuries or the chance of them, best to leave it to 000 to organise. Also, be aware of un-deployed airbags and other such tertiary safety devices etc, as they can be a hazard if they haven't deployed; just don't lean across them or anything like that!