First Aid After a Car Accident: What to Do at the Scene

1. Secure the Scene First

Before rushing to help anyone, make sure the accident scene is safe. Avoid putting yourself in danger, even to help others.

If you’re in a vehicle, turn on your hazard lights immediately. This alerts approaching drivers to slow down and navigate carefully around the crash site. Once you’re out, check for hazards before approaching any vehicles. Look for:

• Leaking fuel
• Smoke
• Fire
• Downed power lines
• Broken glass
  

Do not approach these hazards. However, if you can safely approach and enter crashed vehicles, turn off the ignition and apply the parking brakes to prevent the car from rolling.

2. Check for Injuries

Approach any accident victims carefully and assess their condition. Speak to them loudly and clearly: "Can you hear me? Are you okay?" If they don't respond, gently tap their shoulder.

• If the person is conscious and responsive, ask them about their injuries, pain level, and any medical conditions. Look for medical alert bracelets or necklaces that might provide critical information.
• If the person is unresponsive, not breathing, or has severe bleeding, proceed to the next step immediately. Above all, do not move them yet.

3. Call 911

Once you've assessed the scene, call 911 before you begin providing first aid. The sooner emergency responders can get there, the better. 

• Provide the dispatcher with your exact location. If you're unsure of the precise address, use landmarks, mile markers, or cross streets to explain where you are.
• Tell them the number of vehicles involved and the number of people injured. Describe visible injuries and whether anyone is unconscious, trapped, or not breathing.  Emergency dispatchers will need detailed information to send the right resources.
  

Stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you to hang up. They may guide you through specific first aid procedures while help is on the way.

4. Provide Emergency Care as You’re Able

If possible, provide care to any injured parties until emergency first responders arrive.

Important: When You Can and Cannot Move Someone

If someone is not breathing or has life-threatening bleeding, you may need to move or reposition them to provide CPR or control bleeding. Brain death from lack of oxygen happens in minutes. Uncontrolled bleeding can kill in under five minutes.

However, if there is no immediate life threat, keep the person still and avoid unnecessary movement. Car accidents can cause spinal injuries, and moving someone unnecessarily can turn a survivable injury into permanent paralysis. You should avoid moving injured people unless one of the following is true:

• They are not breathing, and you need to begin CPR.
• They have life-threatening bleeding that requires repositioning.
• They are in immediate danger (fire, explosion, traffic).
  

Otherwise, try to help them without moving them.

If the Person Is Not Breathing

For an unconscious person who is not breathing, you need to act immediately. Opening the airway and starting CPR takes priority over anything else, even spinal concerns.

• If possible, carefully open the airway while minimizing neck movement. Place one hand on their forehead and gently lift their chin with the other hand to prevent the tongue from blocking the airway.
• Check if they're breathing now. Watch to see if their chest rises and falls, listen for breath sounds near their mouth, and feel for breath on your cheek.
• If the person is not breathing or only gasping, begin CPR immediately and continue until emergency responders arrive or the person starts breathing normally.

If There Is Severe Bleeding

Heavy bleeding is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate action.

• If you have gloves available, put them on to protect yourself from bloodborne pathogens.
• Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth, gauze, or bandage. If you don't have these materials, use any clean fabric or even your bare hands. Press firmly and maintain steady pressure without lifting the cloth to check the wound, as removing pressure disrupts clot formation.
• If the cloth becomes soaked with blood, do not remove it. Place additional cloths on top of the soaked ones and continue applying pressure for as long as it takes to stop bleeding.
• If the wound is on an arm or leg and there is no suspected fracture or spinal injury, elevate the limb above heart level while maintaining pressure. This action reduces blood flow to the injury and helps slow bleeding.
  

Never remove objects embedded in wounds, such as glass or metal. Stabilize them in place with bandages and let medical professionals handle removal.

If the Person Shows Signs of Shock

Shock occurs when the body's organs don't receive enough blood and oxygen. It's common in serious accidents and can be fatal if untreated. Signs of shock include:

• Pale or bluish skin
• Cold and clammy skin
• Rapid or weak pulse
• Rapid breathing
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness

If the person is in shock, lay them down and cover them with a blanket, jacket, or any available material to keep them warm. Reassure them calmly and monitor their breathing and pulse until help arrives. Keep talking to them to help maintain consciousness.

If There Are Head Injuries

Head injuries from car accidents range from minor bumps to serious trauma. Look for signs like bleeding from the head, visible deformity of the skull, clear or bloody fluid draining from the nose or ears, bruising around the eyes or behind the ears, or loss of consciousness.

If the person has a head injury, monitor them closely for signs of worsening condition, such as:

• Increasing confusion or disorientation
• Repeated vomiting
• Severe or worsening headache
• Unequal pupil size
• Slurred speech
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

Keep the person still and do not allow them to fall asleep if they seem drowsy or confused. Do not give them anything to eat or drink, as they may need surgery if the injury is severe.

For bleeding from a head wound, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth. Do not apply direct pressure if you see bone fragments or if the skull appears depressed or fractured. Instead, apply pressure around the edges of the wound.

Remember that any significant head injury also carries the risk of neck and spinal injury, so follow the spinal precautions outlined above.

Treating Minor Injuries While Waiting for Help

If there are any minor wounds, tend to these once any major or life-threatening injuries have been addressed or ruled out.

Cuts and Lacerations

• For minor cuts and scrapes, clean the area gently with mild soap and water to remove debris. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol, as these can delay healing. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding. Once bleeding has stopped, apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a sterile bandage or gauze pad.
  
• For deep lacerations or cuts that won't stop bleeding after several minutes of pressure, maintain pressure and wait for emergency medical help. Do not attempt to clean deep wounds.

Broken Bones and Sprains

• If you suspect a fracture, immobilize the injured area. Never try to straighten broken bones or push them back into place.
• If possible, secure them with bandages, but don't tie them too tightly as this can cut off circulation. You can use boards, magazines, or even rolled newspapers as improvised splints.
• For an injured arm, fashion a sling from a scarf, belt, or torn clothing to keep it elevated and supported.

Once emergency responders arrive, provide them with all relevant information about the injured person's condition, the steps you've taken, and any medical information the victim shared with you.

Even if injuries seem minor, encourage everyone involved to seek medical attention. Many serious injuries, including whiplash, internal bleeding, and traumatic brain injuries, may have delayed symptoms.

Legal Obligations and Protections for Good Samaritans

Minnesota has specific laws that require people to help at accident scenes while also providing legal protection.

You're Required to Help (Within Reason)

Unlike most states, Minnesota law maintains a duty to assist after an accident. If you witness an emergency where someone has suffered or is exposed to grave physical harm, you are required to provide reasonable assistance. "Reasonable assistance" can be as simple as calling 911 or flagging down help.

This duty applies "to the extent that you can do so without danger or peril to yourself or others." You are not required to put yourself in danger or provide medical care beyond your abilities. However, failure to provide any reasonable assistance when it is safe to do so is a petty misdemeanor.

You're Protected from Lawsuits

The same Minnesota statute that requires you to render reasonable aid protects you from civil liability. You cannot be sued for damages resulting from your actions unless you act in a "willful and wanton or reckless manner." This means you're protected even if your well-intentioned help accidentally causes some harm, as long as you're acting in good faith. You can’t be held liable for an honest mistake.

This protection covers emergency care at the scene or during transport to medical facilities.

You Have Rights After an Injury

Minnesota law also offers protections if you are injured in an accident. This includes the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you've been injured in an accident that wasn't your fault, you don't have to navigate the aftermath alone. An experienced attorney can help you understand your options and protect your rights while you focus on recovery

Knowing How to Respond Could Save a Life

After a car accident, your knowledge of basic first aid principles could save lives and prevent injuries from worsening. Remember the key priorities:

1. Secure the scene
2. Check for injuries
3. Call 911
4. Provide appropriate care
   

The best way to be truly prepared for an emergency is to take a certified first aid and CPR course. These hands-on training programs provide the confidence and skills you need when seconds count.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, schedule a free consultation with SiebenCarey today. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.