Medical Help on Road
Providing immediate assistance and lifesaving support during road emergencies
Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) in Pakistan: A Growing Concern
Pakistan, with its vast population of over 211 million, is struggling to cope with the alarming rise in road traffic accidents (RTAs). The country's extensive road network, spanning approximately 262,256 kilometers, is under immense strain due to the increasing number of registered vehicles and rapid urbanization.
Despite efforts to enforce traffic laws and regulations, high-risk driving behaviours persist, contributing to the prevalence of RTAs. A local study revealed that young individuals aged 15-29 are disproportionately affected, with a higher risk of being involved in accidents and suffering fatal consequences.
262,256 Km
The road network in Pakistan
19 million
# of registered vehicles in Pakistan
Furthermore, motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians are identified as the most vulnerable road users, accounting for most non-fatal injuries reported. This highlights the need for targeted interventions and strategies to address the root causes of RTAs and ensure road safety for all users.
In such a situation it is imperative that everyone is equipped with basic know-how as a first respondent in case of an RTA.
Road Accident Response: A Basic Guide
If you're the first to arrive at a road accident scene, following these steps will not only ensure your safety but will also enable you to provide the required assistance
Response (Safety First)
- Prioritize your own safety: Stop a safe distance from the accident scene and turn on hazard lights.
- Alert others: Inform or warn others- this include other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclist or motorcyclist and ask them to inform emergency help.
- Size Up the Scene: Check for fuel spills, fire risks, or other dangers.
- Safeguard the Surroundings: Turn off car ignitions, use warning triangles, and direct traffic if possible.
Assessing the situation
- Call emergency services: If others are present, ask them to call for help.If alone, call after assessing the situation.
- Identify life-threatening conditions: Provide basic first aid if possible.
- Determine the number of vehicles involved: Assess each vehicle’s occupants for injuries.
Prioritize the quiet casualties
In the aftermath of an accident, it’s essential to focus on those who are quiet and still, as they may be more critically injured. People who are screaming, crying, or making noise are likely breathing, so your initial priority should be to check on those who are unresponsive.
Assessing quiet casualties
- Check for responsiveness: Quickly assess if the quiet casualty responds to verbal commands or physical stimuli.
- Check for breathing: If the person is unresponsive, check if they are breathing.
- Positioning: If the person is unresponsive and breathing, carefully position them to keep their airway open. Move them as little as possible, avoiding twisting or bending.
- Provide reassurance: Continue to talk to the unconscious person in a calm, gentle voice, as they may still be able to hear you.
- Keep them warm: Provide warmth and comfort to the casualty to prevent shock and further injury.
Critical checkpoints in accident response
- Check for Breathing: If the person is not breathing, you’ll need to resuscitate. If you’re alone, call emergency services immediately and ask for guidance.
- Removing an Unconscious Person: Only remove an unconscious person from a vehicle if there’s an immediate danger to their life (e.g., fire, flood, explosion). Seek advice from emergency services before taking action.
- Caring for Conscious Casualties: Move conscious casualties to a safe area, away from the wreckage. Ask bystanders to keep them warm, calm, and comfortable. Help them contact their next of kin.
- Assessing Injuries: Look for major bleeding, life-threatening injuries, and potential internal injuries due to vehicle damage. Treat critical injuries first.
- Monitoring Trapped Casualties: Keep a close eye on anyone trapped in a vehicle and notify emergency services immediately. Provide the exact time of the accident.
- Supporting the Neck: If there are additional people around, demonstrate how to support the person’s neck to prevent twisting, which can exacerbate potential spinal injuries.
- Bleeding Control: Wear gloves and apply dressings to control severe bleeding.
Important Contact Numbers
Category
Details
Emergency Services
Rescue 1122: A nationwide emergency service providing ambulance, fire, and rescue services. Dial 1122 for assistance.
Edhi Ambulance Service: A non-profit organization offering ambulance services and emergency medical care. Dial 115 for assistance.
Highway and Motorway Medical Facilities
National Highway Authority (NHA) Medical Facilities: NHA has established medical facilities along highways and motorways, providing basic medical care and first aid.
Motorway Police Medical Facilities: Motorway Police have set up medical facilities along motorways, offering basic medical care and emergency services.
Mobile Health Units
Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) Mobile Health Units: Equipped with medical staff and equipment, these units provide emergency medical care on highways and roads.
Sindh Emergency Rescue Service (ERS) Mobile Health Units: Similar to Rescue 1122, ERS mobile health units provide emergency medical care on roads and highways in Sindh.
Roadside Emergency Response
Pakistan Motorway Police (PMP) Emergency Response: PMP has an emergency response system in place, which includes providing medical assistance and emergency services on motorways.
National Highways & Motorway Police (NH&MP) Emergency Response: NH&MP also has an emergency response system, providing medical assistance and emergency services on highways and motorways.