Roadside Medical Emergencies

As advanced drivers there is an expectation that we will have at least a rudimentary knowledge of how to act in the event of a roadside medical emergency. But what knowledge or skill do we actually have and what should we have?

I am an IAM full member, having proudly passed my advanced test in 2021. By profession I am a registered nurse with the extra qualifications of Emergency Nurse Practitioner and Advanced Clinical Practitioner. This means I have specific skills and experience in emergency care but these days my job is more akin to a GP. I’ve also published a book on injury management, and crucially here, I’ve stopped to deliver emergency care at a fair few Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs) over the years. I’m not a paramedic and don’t carry their extensive kit but I do believe that I have made a significant difference to outcomes over the years, with one stark case in particular.

RTCs are often chaotic and unpredictable situations. There may be no casualties at all or there may be several in different states of trauma and distress. There is an old adage: “lead, follow or get out of the way” and I’m a great believer in that. Sometimes the situation needs someone to take charge. Sometimes the situation is being well-managed and our assistance in a given task is invaluable. Sometimes we need to realise that we are contributing to chaos and just get out of the way. We would hope that as advanced drivers who make decisions on how to act that we would know which of these three paths to take. In every RTC that I’ve attended I’ve taken the lead on assessing and treating casualties until I’ve been able to hand over to paramedics and I have to add that the police are always very grateful for my actions. I’ve also been grateful for those who help me along the way. As to the “or get out of the way…” rubberneckers are a bigger problem now than they’ve ever been and we need to assume that everything that we do at an incident is being filmed on a smartphone. 

How up to date is your first aid knowledge? You don’t need to know a lot in order to make a big difference, including saving lives. 

Do you know what’s in your first aid kit and how to use it? Is everything in date? Are you familiar with the “DR ABC”* approach? It’s easy, it’s logical and it works. And do you have a way of recording your actions for your own records for any future statements but also to help the police and ambulance?

In addition to this we all surely know how to call 999 but can you describe the location? what3words is an excellent tool for describing your location down to three square metres and the app is free to use.

www.what3words.com

It makes sense to have a degree of first aid or emergency incident training as part of our advanced driving. Courses are readily available and must surely enable us to be better contributors to overall road safety.

Peter Jones BN (Hons.) MSc RN (Adult) MIAM

Full Member, IAM

Author of Ninja Nurse: The Essential Guide to Injury Management in Martial Arts

*DR ABC is a simple memory aid used to guide what to check first when dealing with a casualty. It helps you prioritise life-threatening issues in the right order:

The Dangers of Flood Water

 

During recent observed runs with our Associates, there have been plenty of opportunities to deal with the recent  heavy rains and flooding.  With the promise of more to come, it is worth our while thinking about the dangers of driving through flood water. Floodwater is capable of causing significant damage to your car and posing serious threats to your safety. It is one of the most popular ways of writing a car off. Floodwater is often deceptively deep, and the road surface beneath may have pot holes and lifted drain covers, creating a very hazardous situation for drivers.   

Dangers of Driving Through Flood Water

Hydro-locking: When water enters a combustion engine's cylinders, it can cause the engine to seize. The water enters through the car’s air intake, which is usually between 15 and 30 cm from the ground in the engine bay. Water cannot be compressed like air, and the piston strikes the water with immense force, leading to severe engine damage. It only takes an egg cupful of water.

Electrical System Damage: Water can short-circuit electrical components, potentially leading to a loss of power steering, brakes, or other essential systems. It can cause an electric car to fail completely.

Brake Failure: Floodwater can contaminate brake fluid, rendering the brakes ineffective and potentially damaging ABS and stability systems .

Loss of Control: Floodwater can reduce tyre traction, making it difficult to steer and brake. This can be exacerbated by debris and unseen obstacles hidden beneath the water.   

Structural Damage: The force of floodwater can damage the vehicle's undercarriage, suspension, and exhaust system.   

Health Risks: Floodwater may be contaminated with sewage, chemicals, or other hazardous materials.   

How to Deal with Flooded Roads

Turn Around, don't risk it: The safest course of action is to avoid flooded roads altogether. If you encounter a flooded road, find an alternate route.

Check the Depth: If you must cross a flooded road, assess the depth of the water. If it's more than 10cm or 4 inches deep, try to find an alternative route.

Test the Depth: If you're unsure of the depth, walk through the water and perhaps test it with a stick. 

Drive Slowly and Steadily: If you must drive through floodwater, do so slowly (walking pace) and steadily. Avoid splashing other vehicles or pedestrians.

Check Your Brakes: After driving through flood water, gently test your brakes to ensure they are functioning properly. If they feel wet or spongy, have them checked by a mechanic.   

Have Your Vehicle Inspected: If your vehicle has been submerged in floodwater, have it inspected by a qualified mechanic to ensure it's safe to drive.   

Additional Tips:

Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts and be aware of flood warnings in the area.

Plan Your Route: If you're traveling in an area prone to flooding, plan your route in advance and consider alternative routes.

Carry Emergency Supplies: Keep a flashlight, first-aid kit, and other emergency supplies in your vehicle in case you become stranded.

Remember, driving through floodwater is a risky endeavor. By understanding the dangers and taking precautions, you can help ensure your safety and protect your vehicle.

David Eastwood, Chief Observer