Arriving at the scene of an accident is a stressful experience in which it is easy to panic. In order to be able to help the victim (s) as effectively as possible, it is important to know the first steps to take during the intervention.

To ensure your own safety and that of the victim, you must start with checking the environment. Inspect the premises for potential sources of danger such as electrical wires, gas exhausts, pieces of glass, the start of a fire, chemicals, vehicular traffic, etc.

If there is no source of danger or if the danger can be avoided without risk to you or the victim, you can approach them to check their state of consciousness. If the dangers cannot be avoided, it is imperative to call for help immediately and not to approach the victim.

If the victim is conscious, ask them a number of questions (if they have allergies, if they are taking any medication, their medical history, the time and the constitution of their last meal and the event that triggered the accident. ) in order to test his level of consciousness and to be able to transmit this information to the emergency services.

Next, you need to check the victim’s airways to make sure nothing is obstructing them. If the victim is unconscious, you need to be sure that their airways are clear. Tilt the victim’s head back, one hand on his forehead and two fingers below his chin. 

The victim’s breathing should also be tested. If the victim is conscious, ask them to take three long, deep breaths.

To check the breathing of an unconscious victim, bring your cheek to their mouth while looking towards their chest (feel their breath, listen to their breathing, and watch the movement of their chest).

If the victim is unconscious and not breathing, immediately start cardiopulmonary resuscitation or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, that is, cardiac massage alternating with artificial respiration.

If the victim is conscious, it is important to reassure them at all times and to continue to check that they are breathing easily.

Finally, one must ensure that there is no bleeding and treat the state of shock, that is, the reaction of the body having suffered the trauma. For the procedure to follow, see our PORSCHE file.