What to Do After a Road Accident: An Emergency Guide by our experts

Road accidents don’t come with a warning. One moment you’re on your way, commuting to work, heading to school, or enjoying a family ride, and in the next instant, everything changes. In today's fast-paced world, our roads are more crowded than ever: bustling with cars, buses, bikes, pedestrians, and now the nearly silent electric vehicles that are easy to miss. With so much happening at once, the risk of an accident has become an everyday reality.

In India, road accidents have reached alarming levels. Every day, newspapers report heart-wrenching stories, buses tumbling off hillsides, reckless drivers endangering lives, or two-wheelers colliding with heavy vehicles. In 2023 alone, over 1.72 lakh people lost their lives on Indian roads, an average of one life lost every three minutes. These numbers reflect a national crisis that touches families and communities nationwide.

But amidst the chaos of a crash, your actions in the first few minutes can make all the difference. You don’t need to be a doctor to help; just knowing a few basic steps can save a life, minimize injury, and provide critical support until help arrives. This blog will walk you through the essential actions after a road accident—practical, clear, and potentially life-saving advice that everyone should know.

The importance of First aid

In the moments after a road accident, every second matters. What you do or don’t do can make a real difference. You don’t need to be a doctor or a trained medic to help; you just need to know the basics and have the courage to step in.

When someone is injured, your first instinct should be to keep them alive and safe. That might mean stopping bleeding with whatever’s available, checking if they’re breathing, or even performing CPR if they’re unconscious. These aren’t just medical procedures, they’re critical, life-saving actions. One simple rule to remember is CAB: Circulation, Airway, and Breathing. Make sure the person isn’t bleeding excessively, their airway is open, and they’re breathing. These simple checks can stabilize them long enough for help to arrive.

Taking action quickly also helps prevent things from getting worse. Sometimes that means moving someone out of danger, like away from traffic, or just speaking calmly to help them feel less scared. A reassuring voice can go a long way. And even if you feel unsure, your efforts, no matter how small, can be the first step toward saving someone’s life.

In India alone, road accidents claim thousands of lives every year. In 2023, more than 1.72 lakh people lost their lives to road crashes, that’s one life lost every three minutes. These heartbreaking numbers reflect a silent emergency on our roads. Often, people standing nearby could have helped, but didn’t, sometimes out of fear, sometimes because they simply didn’t know what to do.

That’s why learning basic first aid is so important. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being prepared. Having the knowledge and confidence to take that first step can buy precious time, ease someone’s pain, or even save a life.

Simple steps to follow after a road accident

1. Stay calm and analyse the situation

In the immediate aftermath of a road accident, it’s important to take a deep breath and stay as calm as possible. Begin by checking yourself for any injuries, and then look around to assess the condition of others involved. If you notice any signs of danger, such as a fire, smoke, or leaking fuel, move yourself and others to a safe distance without delay. Remaining composed and aware in those first few moments can make a critical difference in how effectively you respond to the situation.

2. Check for injuries and give basic first aid

In the moments following a road accident, assessing injuries calmly and carefully is crucial. Start by checking yourself, then move on to others. Be cautious not to move anyone who might have a neck or spinal injury, unless they’re in immediate danger, since moving them could worsen their condition. If someone is bleeding heavily, use a clean cloth to apply firm pressure and stop the bleeding. Keeping the injured person comfortable and calm can go a long way in reducing shock and preventing further complications.

When attending to multiple people, prioritize care wisely. Often, the quietest person may be the one in the most critical condition, possibly unable to breathe or speak. On the other hand, those who are alert and responsive, able to speak or cry out, are usually stable enough to wait briefly. A simple question like “What’s your name?” can help you assess consciousness and brain function. If someone is unconscious and struggling to breathe, gently roll them onto their side. Loosen any tight clothing and slightly tilt their head back to clear the airway of obstructions like blood or vomit.

If they aren’t breathing, don’t panic; CPR can save a life. Place your hands on the centre of their chest and push down hard and fast, maintaining a steady rhythm at about two inches deep. If you’re trained, follow with two rescue breaths. Continue CPR without stopping until the person starts breathing or emergency help arrives. Your quick thinking and action in these moments could make all the difference.

3. Call emergency services

If you’ve been involved in a road accident, don’t ignore the possibility of injury, even if you feel fine at first. It’s natural to focus on the situation or others around you, but your health matters too. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, don’t always show symptoms right away. You might feel okay initially due to the adrenaline rush, only to notice pain or discomfort hours or even days later.

That’s why it’s essential to get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible, no matter how minor your injuries may seem. Early diagnosis can prevent complications and ensure proper treatment. Seeking timely medical attention not only protects your well-being but also helps document injuries accurately, which is especially important if you need to file an insurance claim later.

4. Preserve Severed Parts or Crushed Limbs Carefully

If a body part is severed during a road accident, it's important to act quickly and carefully. First, gently wrap the severed part in a clean cloth or sterile gauze to protect it from contamination. Then, place it inside a sealed plastic bag to keep it safe and separate from other materials.

To preserve the tissue, keep the bag cool by placing it in another container filled with ice or cold water, but make sure the severed part doesn't come into direct contact with the ice. This helps prevent tissue damage caused by freezing. If possible, transport the severed part with the victim to the hospital, as prompt medical attention and proper preservation can sometimes allow for successful reattachment.

5. Seek medical attention even for minor injuries

Some injuries after a road accident may not be immediately visible or felt. Conditions like internal bleeding, concussions, or soft tissue damage can develop slowly and may not show symptoms until hours or even days later. That’s why it’s crucial to undergo a thorough medical evaluation, even if you feel fine initially.

Seeking medical attention not only ensures that any hidden injuries are identified and treated early but also creates an official record of your condition. This documentation can be vital later on, especially when filing insurance claims or seeking compensation. It supports your case by providing evidence of the injuries sustained and the immediate steps taken for your health and safety.

Road accidents can be overwhelming and unpredictable, but knowing how to respond in those critical first moments can make all the difference. From staying calm and ensuring safety to providing basic first aid and seeking prompt medical attention, each step you take could save a life, yours or someone else’s.

At Apex Hospitals, our experts emphasize the importance of awareness, preparedness, and quick action in emergencies. With decades of experience and state-of-the-art facilities, we’re committed to delivering quality trauma and emergency care when it matters most. If you or your loved ones ever face such a situation, know that Apex Hospitals is here to support you in every step of the way.