Road Accident Emergency Checklist: What to Do at the Scene

Road accidents happen fast, and the moments right after can feel chaotic. Having a clear mental checklist — even a rough one — helps you act usefully instead of freezing or making the situation more dangerous.

1. Make sure you're safe first

• Move to a safe position away from oncoming traffic before doing anything else
• Turn on hazard lights if a vehicle is involved and drivable
• Use a warning triangle or reflective marker if available, especially at night
• Don't stand in the road to direct traffic unless absolutely necessary and safe to do so

2. Call for an ambulance immediately

Call as soon as you've confirmed your own safety — don't wait to assess every injury first. Give the exact location (nearest landmark, road name, direction of travel) and a quick description of how many people are injured and how serious it looks.

3. Don't move injured people unnecessarily

• Only move someone if they're in immediate danger — a fire risk or oncoming traffic
• If a spinal injury is possible, moving the person incorrectly can worsen the injury
• Keep the person still and calm, and reassure them help is on the way

4. Control visible bleeding

• Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth or clothing
• Don't remove any object embedded in a wound — stabilize around it instead
• Keep adding pressure and layers rather than repeatedly checking underneath

5. Watch for signs of shock

• Pale or clammy skin
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Confusion or unusual drowsiness
• Keep the person warm and as calm as possible while waiting for help

6. Gather information for the paramedics

If you can safely do so, note roughly how the accident happened, how many vehicles or people are involved, and anything the injured person tells you about their symptoms. This helps the crew assess quickly on arrival rather than starting from zero.