Introduction
Accidents are unfortunate events that can occur to any individual at any moment. Therefore, having a definite solution to avert such occurrences is not possible. However, we all have the responsibility to be alert and ready to respond to any form of accident that happens around us. That way, it is possible to avoid the tragic impact of accidents on the casualties. What can one do in case he or she is involved in a car accident or saw an accident as they pass by? This essay seeks to assess my actions if I came across an accident on my way home from work.
Body
In many car accidents, time is very crucial since it determines whether the victims will live or die. Many victims die while on their way to the hospital while others die inside the car minutes after the actual incident. Accident casualties’ lives can be saved if a quick response is administered and first aid offered in good time. My first response to a car accident would be opening the doors to allow oxygen inside the car. Enough cases have been reported to show that most of the deaths associated with car accidents emanate from carbon poisoning.
In a car crash, for instance, the engine may burst into flames releasing carbon dioxide inside the vehicle. With closed windows and doors, the helpless occupants of the vehicle are left without enough oxygen to keep them alive. The first and quickest response therefore would be to open all the windows and doors to allow oxygen in as well to release the carbon out of the car. Supposing the engine is still running, my next action would be to shut it down. A running engine runs the risk of easily catching fire hence shutting it down reduces that risk.
I believe that even before calling for any help from the police or even other passersby, it is important to reduce the chances of further damages. This means if possible, one should even attempt to draw the victims from the vehicle. This would help in reducing further harm to the victim in case of the car bursts into flames. When an accident occurs, passersby stand to gaze at the scene without offering any help. Most people rush to call for ambulances and the police but by the time they arrive, things are out of control. So many victims in a car accident lose their lives in conditions that could have been averted if quick responses were made.
After doing what I can and reducing the casualties’ vulnerability, the next step for me would be calling for medical assistance and notifying the relevant authorities about the incident. If possible, notifying close relatives of the victims about the incident would also take precedence. Accidents are normally inevitable but their impacts on the victims can be reduced from tragic to minor injuries if the best approach about the fast response is taken.
Conclusion
This essay has discussed some of the critical responses that a passerby can take in case they came across a car accident on their way home from work. The paper argues that calling for medical attention is a good action but not a priority. The priority according to this paper should be reducing the chances of further adverse impacts on the victims. This includes reducing the dangers of suffocating, burning, and other harms by drawing the victims out of the vehicle.