What to Do After a Road Accident: A Complete First Aid Guide

According to MoRTH's 2023 road accident report, India lost 1,72,890 lives — about 36% of the 4,80,583 accidents reported. Yet when we see a crash, most of us freeze or walk away. The truth is the golden hour is precious. A calm mind and a few simple steps can save a life.

First things first: safety & mindset

• Carry a first-aid kit. Always. Your life is in your hands.
• Your safety comes first. Check for fast traffic, fire, exposed wires.
• Protect yourself. Use gloves or a face shield when handling blood.
• Ask for consent. If the person is conscious, ask "Can I help you?"

Step 1 — Call for help

Ask bystanders to help — someone can fetch a clean cloth, control traffic, or guide the ambulance in.

Step 2 — ABC check (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)

This is the heart of first aid.

• A — Airway: If unconscious, gently tilt the head back and lift the chin to keep the airway open — unless you suspect spinal injury.
• B — Breathing: Look, listen, feel. If there's no normal breathing, start CPR immediately.
• C — Circulation: Check for major bleeding and control it.

Step 3 — CPR (if the victim isn't breathing)

• Chest compressions: Base of palm at the centre of the chest, elbows locked, press hard and fast — 100–120 / min, depth 5–6 cm in adults.
• Rescue breaths: 30 compressions, then 2 breaths.
• Not trained or unsure? Do hands-only CPR — continuous compressions.
• Don't stop until help arrives or the person shows signs of life.

Pro tip: keep the beat of "Stayin' Alive" in your head for the right rhythm.

Step 4 — Control bleeding

Heavy bleeding can be fatal.

• Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth, gauze, or handkerchief.
• If an object (glass, metal) is stuck in the wound — do not remove it. Pad around it to stabilise.
• For severe limb bleeding that won't stop, a trained person may apply a tourniquet.

Step 5 — Recovery position (if unconscious but breathing)

Place the victim on their side, head tilted slightly back, so the airway stays clear and they don't choke if they vomit. Minimise movement if you suspect spinal injury.

Step 6 — Helmets & seatbelts

If the rider is breathing and conscious, do not remove the helmet — it supports the neck. Only remove it if CPR is needed, ideally with two people supporting the head and neck. Cut a seatbelt only in fire or drowning scenarios.

Step 7 — Stay calm and comfort

• Your reassurance makes a real difference.
• Keep the person warm (jacket / blanket).
• Do not give food or water to an unconscious person.
• Note time of accident, first aid given, and any changes — it helps doctors later.

Basic first-aid kit essentials

• Bandages & dressings

  Sterile gauze, adhesive tape, roller, crepe, surgical tape, elastic adhesive, transparent film dressings.
• Protection & support

  Disposable gloves, thermal blanket, cold pack, flexible splints (S/M/L).
• Sterile kits

  Pre-packed sterile dressing kits and non-woven cohesive compression bandages.