First Aid and Response in the Event of a Car Accident
Every road user, whether driving a car, walking, or cycling, may unexpectedly find themselves in a situation where someone needs immediate assistance. Accidents happen suddenly, often in places where emergency services cannot arrive right away. That is why what you do in the first minutes after an incident can make an enormous difference. First-aid knowledge is not merely a theoretical requirement in a driving course—it is a practical skill that allows you to remain calm, make the right decisions, and save a life.
Understanding how to act in such moments requires not only knowledge of procedures, but also an awareness that your role as a witness is crucial. Even the simplest actions, such as securing the scene, calling for help, or clearing the airways, can make the difference between life and death.
Remember:
- every second after an accident matters;
- help must be provided calmly and without panic;
- the aim of first aid is to sustain life until emergency responders arrive.
Providing first aid is the responsibility of every person who witnesses an incident. Failure to provide first aid may result in legal consequences. If you are concerned about your own safety, or lack the skills and fear that you might do more harm than good, simply notify the emergency services about the accident.
Article 162 of the Criminal Code
Anyone who fails to provide assistance to a person in a situation posing an immediate danger of loss of life or serious bodily harm, despite being able to do so without exposing themselves or another person to the danger of loss of life or serious bodily harm, shall be subject to imprisonment for up to 3 years.
What is first aid
First aid is a set of actions taken toward an injured person before qualified medical assistance arrives. It does not require equipment or specialized training, but is based on logical, prompt, and safe action. The aim is to maintain basic vital functions—breathing, circulation, and consciousness—and prevent further injuries. This stage determines the effectiveness of subsequent treatment, as most deaths in road accidents occur due to a lack of immediate response.
Providing first aid is not only a moral obligation but also a legal one. Everyone is required to respond when they see a person in a life-threatening condition. Failure to respond may be considered a criminal offense, although, of course, no one expects heroic actions— even the smallest form of help matters: calling the emergency services, placing a warning triangle, or asking passersby for assistance.
In brief:
- the aim of first aid is to maintain vital functions;
- you do not have to be a doctor to save someone’s life;
- the obligation to provide assistance arises from law and ethics.
Safety principle – protect yourself first. A dead rescuer cannot save anyone.
The most important rule of first aid is to protect your own life. Although this may seem selfish, a rescuer who becomes a victim themselves cannot help anyone. In practice, this means that before approaching the injured person, you must assess whether the accident site poses a danger to you—whether there is a fuel leak, sparks, smoke, sharp debris, or ongoing traffic. Only when you are sure that you are safe can you begin rescue efforts.
Securing the scene is the first step toward providing effective assistance. Turning on the hazard lights, placing a warning triangle at an appropriate distance, or putting on a reflective vest increases visibility and protects both you and others. It is also worth remembering that on expressways or motorways, approaching an injured person requires particular caution—every movement must be carefully considered and carried out while maintaining a safe distance from the traffic lane.
In practice:
- first ensure your own safety;
- mark the accident scene and warn other drivers;
- do not approach the vehicle if you see smoke, fuel, or fire.
Situation Assessment
When the area is safe, it is time to assess the situation. At this point, you become the eyes and ears of the emergency services—you must understand what is happening and what kind of assistance is needed. Look over the scene, paying attention to the number of injured people, the condition of the vehicles, and possible hazards (e.g. fuel, live electrical wires, traffic). It is worth approaching each person involved in the accident and assessing whether they are conscious and responsive. Someone who is not breathing requires immediate action, while someone who is complaining of pain can wait for the moment.
This is also the time to remember details that you will pass on to the dispatcher. The more precisely you describe the location and situation, the sooner the appropriate services will arrive. Seemingly minor details, such as the colour of the vehicles, the number of people, the direction of travel, or visible injuries, are significant.
Pay attention to:
- how many people are injured and what condition they are in;
- whether anyone is trapped in a vehicle;
- whether there is a risk of fire or explosion;
- whether assistance from the fire brigade or police is needed.
Calling for Help – How to Call 112
Calling for help may seem simple, but under stress it is easy to make mistakes. People most often call the emergency number in a panic, speak chaotically, or hang up too soon. Meanwhile, a conversation with the dispatcher is the beginning of the entire rescue operation. The dispatcher coordinates the response, sends an ambulance, the fire brigade and the police, and often also provides instructions on how to give first aid until the emergency team arrives.
During the call, stay calm and focus on the facts. Speak slowly and clearly; do not use emotional language, only specific information. Give the exact location of the incident: the street name, road kilometre, nearby bridge or petrol station. Then say what happened—whether it was a vehicle collision, a pedestrian being hit, or a fire. State the number of injured people and their condition. Only at the end provide your details and telephone number. Do not end the call until the dispatcher tells you to—the dispatcher must be sure that you have provided everything important.
Key rules when speaking with the dispatcher:
- speak calmly and precisely;
- first state the location of the incident;
- do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you to;
- if the line is busy, do not give up—try again.
Safety in the Event of a Car Accident
Securing the Incident Scene
Safety at the accident scene is essential for providing effective assistance. Before approaching the injured, you must make sure that you do not become another victim. Every ill-considered decision can have tragic consequences, so act calmly and according to the rules. As soon as you stop the car, turn on the hazard lights and put on a reflective vest. This warns other drivers that something is happening on the road. Then take the warning triangle. In built-up areas, place it approximately 30–50 metres behind the vehicle, and outside built-up areas or on an expressway, 100 to 150 metres away. On a motorway, it is best to do this while walking along the hard shoulder, always keeping away from the carriageway. The triangle should be clearly visible both during the day and at night—if it is dark, you can additionally use a flashlight or your phone’s emergency light.
Remember:
- turn on the hazard lights;
- put on a reflective vest;
- place the warning triangle at an appropriate distance;
- remain calm and exercise caution.
Threat Assessment
When the area is secure, you can approach the vehicle. If you see smoke, a fuel leak, or hear hissing, do not open the doors – this could indicate a risk of explosion. In such a situation, move away and call for help. If there is no risk of ignition and the car is stable, approach carefully, make sure the handbrake is engaged, and check whether anyone inside needs assistance.
Do not approach the wreck if the surroundings appear dangerous. It is better to wait a moment than to put yourself and others at risk. Always assess the situation from a distance – sometimes a brief observation is enough to decide what to do next.
Key activities:
- assess the situation before approaching;
- check for any risk of explosion, fire, or fuel leakage;
- make sure the vehicle is stable;
- if it is dangerous, move away and call for help.
Do not pull injured people out unnecessarily
Do not remove injured persons from the vehicle if they are conscious and there is no danger to their lives. Jostling the body can cause serious spinal injuries, even if at first glance it appears that nothing has happened. A person involved in an accident may have damaged cervical vertebrae or spinal cord, so every movement should be justified and carried out very carefully.
If the injured person is breathing, conscious, and there is no fire, smoke, or risk of ignition, leave them in the position in which you find them. They should remain still, while you try to talk to them to maintain contact and reassure them until the rescuers arrive.
Rules of Conduct:
- do not move a conscious person if there is no danger to their life;
- avoid sudden movements of the head and torso;
- reassure the injured person and do not let them move;
- wait for the emergency medical responders to arrive.
Is it permissible to move an unconscious person after an accident?
The rule is that we do not move any injured person if there is no immediate threat to life (e.g. fire, smoke, flooding, risk of explosion, traffic). But the difference between a conscious and an unconscious person is that, in the case of an unconscious person, you must always check their breathing – and this may require minimal movement of their body.
If an unconscious person is breathing, leave them in the position in which you found them, provided there is no danger. However, if they are lying in a position in which they could suffocate (e.g. face down, with their head drooping, or with their tongue blocking the airways), they must be turned over very carefully and placed in the recovery position. This is the only situation in which you should move an unconscious person despite the risk of spinal injury—because loss of breathing poses a greater danger than any possible worsening of the injury.
However, if they are not breathing, there is no choice—you must begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In that case, they must also be placed on their back on a hard surface, and you must act immediately, because the absence of breathing means an immediate threat to life.
In brief:
If the injured person is conscious:
- do not move him unless the location is dangerous;
- talk to him, reassure him, and monitor his condition;
- wait for the rescuers.
If the injured person is unconscious but breathing:
- make sure the airway is clear;
- if they are lying in a position that poses a risk of suffocation, turn them very gently onto their side (the recovery position);
- if the location is safe, do not move them any further.
If the casualty is unconscious and not breathing:
- start CPR immediately;
- if there is no room in the car, carefully pull him out (e.g. using the Rautek manoeuvre);
- continue until the emergency services arrive.
When Evacuation Is Necessary
Sometimes, however, the situation requires immediate action—for example, when the car is on fire, smoke is rising, or there is a risk of flooding. In such cases, the casualty must be evacuated from the vehicle as quickly as possible, but in a way that does not aggravate their injuries. The safest method is the Rautek manoeuvre, a technique used by rescuers to move unconscious people.
Stand behind the casualty and put your arms under their armpits. With one hand, grasp their forearm; with the other, support their chest and head, keeping the spine aligned. Then slowly pull them out of the vehicle, moving backwards. Try to prevent their head from falling forward and keep their body stable. Once they are outside the vehicle, place them at a safe distance—at least several metres from the wreckage—preferably in the recovery position if they are breathing.
Key Steps During an Evacuation:
- make sure that evacuation is truly necessary;
- use the Rautek manoeuvre to keep the spine stable;
- do not pull by the arms, legs, or clothing;
- after extracting the casualty, place them in a safe location.
Assessment of the Injured Person's Condition
Once you have called for help and are sure that the scene is secure, it is time to attend to the injured people themselves. This is one of the most responsible parts of providing first aid. Every second counts, so act methodically. First, approach the person who appears to be the most seriously injured. The person shouting the loudest does not always need help first—in fact, paradoxically, someone who is silent may be in critical condition.
Start by checking whether the injured person is conscious. If they respond to your voice or touch, you can talk to them and find out what happened. If they do not respond, move on to the next step—checking their breathing. Carefully place them on their back, tilt their head back, lift their chin, and for 10 seconds watch their chest while listening for breathing. No movement, no air on your cheek, and silence mean that you must start resuscitation immediately.
If the injured person is breathing but unconscious, there is a risk that they may choke on their own tongue or vomit. In this situation, it is essential to place them in the recovery position to allow them to breathe freely.
Remember:
- check responsiveness using voice and touch;
- if there is no response – check breathing;
- if they are not breathing – begin resuscitation;
- if they are breathing but unconscious – place them in the recovery position.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Resuscitation is one of the most important actions a bystander can take at the scene of an accident. Although it may sound complicated, it is a simple routine that can restore life. The key is not to waste time—if the casualty is not breathing, start immediately. Kneel beside their chest, place the heel of one hand in the center of the breastbone, put the other hand on top, and perform firm compressions with straight arms. The aim is to rhythmically pump blood, which may still deliver oxygen to the brain.
Do not be afraid that you will do something wrong—doing nothing is worse than imperfect technique. Compress the chest at a rate of about two compressions per second, to a depth of 5–6 cm. After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths by tilting the casualty’s head back and sealing your mouth over theirs. If you do not want to give rescue breaths, you can perform resuscitation using compressions alone. Even without breaths, it is worth continuing compressions—the heart will still pump the remaining oxygen for a while.
Continue until the casualty starts breathing independently or the ambulance arrives.
Key principles:
- 30 compressions and 2 breaths at a rate of 100–120 per minute;
- compression depth: 5–6 cm;
- if you do not provide breaths, perform compressions only;
- do not interrupt CPR unnecessarily.
Apart from the silly, plot-driven introduction, this is a very good film about safety.
Using an AED Defibrillator
An AED is a device that has become widely available in recent years—you can find it in shopping centres, at train stations, in public offices, and sometimes even in smaller shops. It is simple and safe to use because the device guides you by voice through the entire process. Whenever an AED is available at the scene of an accident, it should be used.
Turn on the device and attach the pads to the casualty’s bare chest—one below the right collarbone and the other on the left side of the chest, below the nipple. The AED will begin analysing the heart rhythm. At this point, do not touch the casualty. If the device determines that an electric shock is needed, it will instruct you to press the button. After defibrillation, immediately resume chest compressions.
It is worth remembering that an AED cannot cause harm—if the heart is beating normally, the device simply will not allow a shock to be delivered.
Remember:
- The AED gives all instructions by voice;
- do not touch the casualty during analysis;
- always resume chest compressions after the shock;
- the AED will not deliver a shock if it is not needed.
Hemorrhage Control
Hemorrhage is one of the most dangerous consequences of an accident—even a few minutes of intense bleeding can lead to shock and death. In such a situation, the most important thing is to remain calm and act decisively. You do not need medical knowledge—firm pressure is enough. If the wound is bleeding heavily, place a clean material over it, such as a dressing, tissue, or piece of clothing, and press down with your hand. Do not remove the dressing if it becomes soaked with blood—place another one on top.
If possible, raise the injured limb above heart level, which will reduce blood pressure in the wound. Use a tourniquet only as a last resort, for example, if the limb has been amputated or the bleeding is so severe that it cannot be stopped by applying pressure. After stopping the bleeding, always monitor the injured person’s condition—if they become pale, sweaty, and weak, this is a sign that they may be losing too much blood.
Principles of hemorrhage control:
- apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean material;
- do not remove a soaked dressing;
- elevate the limb if possible;
- use a tourniquet only in extreme cases.
Fixed side position
The recovery position is a way of positioning an unconscious person who is breathing independently. Its purpose is to keep the airways open and prevent choking on vomit or the tongue. Although it looks simple, positioning someone correctly requires calmness and precision.
First, lay the casualty on their back and straighten their legs. Bend the arm closest to you at the elbow and position it at a right angle to the body. Bring the other arm across the chest and place the hand against the opposite cheek. Next, bend the leg farther from you at the knee and pull it toward you, turning the casualty onto their side. Tilt the head back slightly to open the airways.
A person in this position can lie safely even for an extended period, but they should be monitored continuously—if they stop breathing, immediately turn them onto their back and begin resuscitation.
Key steps:
- lay the casualty on their back;
- bend the nearer arm at a right angle;
- place the other hand against their cheek;
- turn them onto their side, gently tilting the head back.
Fractures, Dislocations, and Spinal Injuries
Spinal fractures and injuries are common consequences of road accidents. A person who has sustained such an injury may become paralyzed or suffer permanent damage if moved incorrectly. Therefore, the most important rule is: do not move the injured person unless absolutely necessary. If there is no immediate danger (fire, smoke, flooding), it is best to leave them in the position in which they are lying and wait for emergency services to arrive.
If you must move them, do so carefully, keeping the head and spine aligned—preferably with the help of another person. In the event of fractures, do not try to straighten the limbs. Immobilize them in the position found, preferably using splints, cardboard, a board, or even rolled-up clothing. Any immobilization should include two adjacent joints, e.g. in the case of a forearm fracture—the elbow and wrist.
Worth remembering:
- do not move an injured person with a spinal injury;
- do not straighten a fractured limb;
- immobilize it in the position in which it was found;
- always wait for the rescuers to arrive.
Burns and Electric Shock
Burns are among the most painful and serious injuries that can occur during an accident. They are often caused by contact with hot surfaces, liquids, steam or fire, but also by electric current. At first, they may appear harmless, but their consequences can be very serious. The most important rule is to cool the burn quickly – cold, clean water should run over the wound for at least 15 minutes. This response limits the depth of skin damage and reduces pain. Never apply grease, butter or ointments, as they may make subsequent treatment more difficult. If blisters are visible, do not puncture them. Simply apply a sterile, dry dressing and call for help.
In the event of an electric shock, safety is particularly important. Before touching the injured person, make sure that the power source has been disconnected – otherwise, you could become a victim yourself. After disconnecting the power, check the person’s breathing and consciousness, and, if necessary, begin resuscitation.
In brief:
- Cool the burned area with cold water for 15–20 minutes;
- Do not puncture blisters or apply grease to the wound;
- In the event of an electric shock, disconnect the power source before touching the casualty;
- If the person is not breathing, begin CPR.
Shock and Hypothermia
Shock is a condition in which the body is unable to maintain proper blood circulation, causing the tissues to stop receiving oxygen. It may occur after significant blood loss, severe stress, burns, or injuries. The symptoms are characteristic: pale, cold skin, sweating, a rapid pulse, dizziness, anxiety, and sometimes loss of consciousness. In such a situation, lay the casualty on their back and raise their legs approximately 30 centimetres to improve blood flow to the heart and brain. Cover them to prevent chilling, and do not give them anything to eat or drink.
Hypothermia, on the other hand, is a condition in which body temperature falls below normal. It can occur not only in winter—rain, wind, and lack of movement are enough. A hypothermic person shivers and is drowsy and sluggish. Move them to a warm place, remove wet clothing, wrap them in a blanket, and warm them gradually—never suddenly. If they are conscious, they may be given a warm, non-alcoholic drink.
Key activities:
- in the event of shock, lay the casualty down and elevate their legs;
- do not give them anything to eat or drink;
- in the event of hypothermia, warm them slowly and change their wet clothes;
- always call for medical assistance.
Help for Children and Infants
Children require a special approach—their bodies are more delicate, and physiological responses occur more quickly. In the event of an accident, a child can easily panic, so in addition to first aid procedures, it is important to calm them with your voice and the presence of an adult. If a child is not breathing, CPR should be started in a slightly different way than for adults. Compress the chest with one hand at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute, to a depth of approximately 4 cm. After every 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths.
For infants, use two fingers to compress the chest, to a depth of approximately 3–4 cm. Give breaths very gently—the rescuer’s mouth should cover both the infant’s nose and mouth. In the event of choking, place the infant face down along your forearm, with the head lower than the body, and deliver five back blows between the shoulder blades, followed by five chest thrusts.
Rules for helping the youngest:
- for a child, compress the chest with one hand; for an infant, use two fingers;
- CPR ratio: 30 compressions to 2 breaths;
- in case of choking: 5 back blows, 5 chest thrusts;
- speak calmly – the child must feel safe.
What Not to Do
In stressful situations, many people make mistakes that can harm the injured person. The most common is removing the victim from the vehicle too quickly – if there is no fire or risk of explosion, this should be avoided. Moving someone with a spinal injury can cause permanent paralysis. You should also not remove embedded objects from wounds – they act like a plug, and removing them can cause massive bleeding. Another mistake is giving water or medication to an unconscious person, which can lead to choking. Burn wounds should also not be covered with any creams or ointments, as these make it more difficult to assess the injuries.
The worst mistake, however, is panic. A person acting emotionally often makes chaotic and dangerous decisions. It is better to do less, but confidently, than to do too much in a hurry.
Most common mistakes:
- do not move the injured person unless necessary;
- do not remove embedded objects from the body;
- do not give them anything to eat or drink;
- do not panic – remain calm and focused.
First Aid Psychology
First aid is not only about physical actions. It also includes emotional support, which can be of enormous importance to the injured person. People who have been in an accident are often in shock—they do not understand what is happening, have difficulty breathing, tremble, or remain silent. Your task is to create an atmosphere of safety. Speak calmly, introduce yourself, and say that help is on the way. Even if you cannot do much, your presence and composure are enormously valuable.
Not everyone can keep a cool head, but it can be learned. The key is understanding that emotions must be set aside for a moment. Afterwards, when the situation has calmed down, speaking with a psychologist may be helpful—for both the injured person and the witness to the accident. Providing assistance is a psychological burden that can leave a lasting impression, so it is important to take care of your own emotions as well.
Key Elements of Mental Health Support:
- speak calmly and confidently;
- inform them of what you are doing and that help is on the way;
- maintain verbal and eye contact;
- after the incident, allow yourself time for emotional recovery.
Car First Aid Kit Contents
Every driver should have a well-equipped first-aid kit in their car. This is not about a legal obligation—in Poland, a first-aid kit is not required in every vehicle—but in practice, it can make the difference between life and death or serious injury. It is in the first few minutes after an accident, before the emergency services arrive, that the items in the first-aid kit are used. That is why it is worth taking a moment to check its contents and ensure that it is complete, clean, and ready for use.
It is important to keep it in an easily accessible place, such as the glove compartment or boot, but not underneath other items. In the event of an incident, time is of the essence, and every second spent searching for the first-aid kit is a second wasted. Its contents should be checked regularly—not only the expiry dates of the dressings, but also the condition of the scissors, gloves, and flashlight.
Basic items in a car first-aid kit:
- Disposable gloves – protect against infection and contact with blood.
- Sterile dressings and gauze pads – for stopping bleeding and protecting wounds.
- Elastic and standard bandages – for securing dressings and immobilizing limbs.
- Adhesive bandages with and without dressings – useful for minor cuts.
- Rescue scissors – allow clothing or seat belts to be cut quickly.
- Thermal insulation blanket (NRC foil) – protects against hypothermia or overheating.
- Triangular bandage – for supporting an arm or stabilizing an injury.
- Disinfectant – preferably in a small bottle, for cleaning wounds.
- Resuscitation face shield – ensures hygiene during resuscitation.
- Flashlight – indispensable at night or in difficult conditions.
- First aid instructions – help you remember procedures when acting under stress.
It is also a good idea to add a few items beyond the basic set, especially if you often travel with your family or to places far from civilization. Consider putting a small power bank, spare gloves, extra disinfectant wipes, or a notebook and pen for recording the details of an incident in the first-aid kit.
Worth remembering:
- the first-aid kit should be visible, dry, and easily accessible;
- check expiration dates every few months;
- learn where everything is located – in stressful situations, every second counts;
- never use expired supplies.
Places to Study
https://zpe.gov.pl/a/life-saver—interactive-films-on-first-aid/DChDgdq2A
https://pscentre.org/resource/a-guide-to-psychological-first-aid-polish
https://pck.pl/en/co-robimy/pierwsza-pomoc
https://www.datocms-assets.com/132740/1734673800-pck_instrukcja-pierwsza-pomoc-cmyk.pdf
https://praktykauratownika.pl/blog
https://kursysos.pl/blog-o-pierwszej-pomocy
https://akademia-pierwszej-pomocy.pl/blog
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Basic-First-Aid
Summary
Providing first aid in the event of an accident is not a heroic gesture, but the duty of every road user. Any of us may find ourselves in a situation where someone else needs help, so it is worth knowing how to respond. The first minutes after an incident are when the right decisions matter most—it is not about recklessness, but about composure, logical thinking, and knowledge of the basic principles.
First, ensure your own safety, then assess the situation, call for help, and only then take action. You do not need to know every procedure from a first responder’s manual—it is enough to remember a few key steps: checking for breathing, beginning chest compressions, stopping bleeding, and placing the person in the recovery position. In practice, these simple actions determine whether the injured person survives.
Do not forget about the psychological aspect either—both your own and that of the injured person. A calming voice and a brief assurance that help is on the way can do more than you might think. And afterward, it is worth taking a moment to catch your breath—even if you were not injured, being involved in an accident is a stressful experience.
Key messages worth remembering:
- stay calm and act in the following order: safety – assessment – call for help – assistance;
- even simple actions can make a huge difference;
- a first-aid kit in the car is not a decoration, but a lifesaving tool;
- courage in the first minutes after an accident can save a life.