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One moment you are driving home, and the next you come across a serious accident. Vehicles may be damaged, people may be injured, and emotions can run high. In those first few moments, it is normal to feel shocked, scared, or unsure of what to do.

Knowing how to respond can make a real difference. While very few people are trained as emergency responders, there are simple steps anyone can take to help keep the scene safe and ensure injured people receive the assistance they need as quickly as possible.

The most important thing is to stay calm, protect yourself from danger, and get emergency help on the way without delay.

Stop Only If It Is Safe

If you decide to stop and help, pull over in a safe place away from traffic. Switch on your hazard lights so other drivers can see you. If you have a warning triangle, place it a safe distance behind the accident (ideally at least 50 metres) to warn approaching vehicles.

Avoid parking in a way that blocks emergency vehicles from reaching the scene.

If the accident happened on a busy road, stay alert to moving traffic at all times.

Call For Help Immediately

One of the most important things you can do is call for emergency assistance.

Try to provide clear information, including:

• The location of the accident.
• The number of vehicles involved.
• Whether anyone appears seriously injured.
• Whether anyone is trapped.
• Any obvious dangers, such as fire, fuel leaks, or damaged power lines.

By using the free-to-use award-winning iER App, you can activate an emergency alert directly through the app which automatically shares your location in real time, helping emergency response teams and control room agents locate the scene quickly and more accurately.

Do Not Move Injured People

Many serious road accident injuries involve the neck, back, or spine.

Unless there is immediate danger, such as a fire or risk of another collision, do not move injured people. Moving someone incorrectly can worsen injuries.

If the person is awake, encourage them to remain as still as possible until professional help arrives.

Motorcycle helmets should also not be removed unless there is an immediate threat to life or the person is not breathing.

Check For Signs of Life

If it is safe to approach, check whether the injured person is awake and breathing.

Speak calmly and let them know help is on the way. Sometimes, reassurance can help reduce panic and anxiety while waiting for emergency responders.

If someone is bleeding heavily and you can do so safely, apply firm pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or clothing.

Do not give injured people food, water, or medication.

Help Keep the Scene Safe

Accident scenes can quickly become chaotic.

If other people have stopped to help, work together. One person can call for help, another can direct traffic away from the scene, and someone else can stay with the injured person.

Avoid crowds gathering around injured people and keep children away from the accident scene where possible.

It is also important not to take photos or videos of injured people. Respect their privacy and dignity during what may be a highly traumatic event.

Share Useful Information

When emergency responders arrive, tell them what you saw.

Information such as how the accident happened, how many people were involved, whether someone lost consciousness, or whether a person was trapped can help emergency teams assess the situation more quickly.

If road hazards such as potholes, broken traffic lights, faulty street lights, water leaks, or damaged road infrastructure may have contributed to the accident, the iER App’s new Infrastructure Reporting feature allows users to report these issues directly through the app so they can be brought to the attention of the relevant authorities.

Stay Connected to the People Who Matter

Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time.

The iER App’s new Safety Squad feature allows users to add trusted family members and friends. Connected users can view one another’s live locations, helping loved ones know that you have arrived safely and making it easier to stay connected during emergencies.

Conclusion

Witnessing a serious road accident can be overwhelming, but knowing what to do can help save lives. Staying calm, calling for help quickly, keeping yourself safe, and avoiding actions that could worsen injuries can make a significant difference while emergency services are on the way. By connecting users to emergency assistance faster, the iER App helps save lives and improve road safety.