Emergency Procedures, Incidents and First Aid
At an incident, your first job is to prevent a second crash. Stop safely, switch on hazard lights, and place a warning triangle where approaching traffic can see it without putting yourself in the lane. Call the emergency number (9999 in Oman) and give location, number of casualties and hazards. Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire or traffic.
First aid
Check responsiveness and breathing. If the person is breathing but unconscious, use the recovery position and monitor. If not breathing normally, start CPR and send for an ambulance. Control severe bleeding with direct pressure. Keep the casualty warm, reassure them and do not give food or drink. For a motorcyclist, do not remove the helmet unless you must clear the airway.
Worked example
A car and motorcycle collide. The rider is conscious but lying in the road. You direct traffic, call 9999, put on hazard lights and ask someone to keep the rider still and warm while you check for bleeding. You do not drag the rider to the pavement to be tidy.
Traps
Standing behind a broken-down vehicle; moving a casualty with a possible spinal injury; removing a helmet unnecessarily; and crowding the scene. For a small fire, use an extinguisher only if trained and the fire is not near fuel; otherwise move away and call for help.