In 'real life' I am doctor of pharmacy, but at the roadside I am also
a well trained first-aider and have crewed ambulances for the Bristish Red
Cross. I have had many years of first aid and ambulance experience and
even lead a British First AId team in international work. I would
therefore ask all readers to consider the following points when
approaching the roadside scene(s) described by Coats and Davies:
1. Every public/roadside incident I remember attending has also had
one or more GPs/medical practitioners pass by and offer help. (Thank you!)
2. In almost every instance, such help is declined in the first
instance.
3. This doesn't mean you should immidiately leave the scene.
Regardles of any bravado from the first-aider or ambulance crew, an extra
pair of hands is almost always welcome. However, someone must assert
control/authority at any trauma scene - an effiecient first-aider or
ambulance crew will do this as a matter of course.
4. However, if they really don't want to see you, accept the fact
gracefully. Every crew with more than a day's experience could tell the
story of 'the doctor who got in the way'.
5. Most importantly - remember your own safety - most ambulance crews
will have a spare reflective garment, but you will need to request it.
(Remember, we're focusing on the patient(s), not you!)
6. Accept that the crew deal with similar situations every day -
their judgement is almost certainly sound, but in cases of real doubt do
not be afraid to question.
7. It may look messy, but our main concern is still the patients
breathing/airway, followed by arresting heamorrhage, treating breaks
(include spinal work here) and handling burns. All else is 'trivia' at the
roadside.
8. Remember that all casualties deteriorate over time. With the
exception of (suspected/certain) spinal trauma we would like to move
everyone to hospital as soon as possible.
Rapid Response:
A 'First Aider' comments....
In 'real life' I am doctor of pharmacy, but at the roadside I am also
a well trained first-aider and have crewed ambulances for the Bristish Red
Cross. I have had many years of first aid and ambulance experience and
even lead a British First AId team in international work. I would
therefore ask all readers to consider the following points when
approaching the roadside scene(s) described by Coats and Davies:
1. Every public/roadside incident I remember attending has also had
one or more GPs/medical practitioners pass by and offer help. (Thank you!)
2. In almost every instance, such help is declined in the first
instance.
3. This doesn't mean you should immidiately leave the scene.
Regardles of any bravado from the first-aider or ambulance crew, an extra
pair of hands is almost always welcome. However, someone must assert
control/authority at any trauma scene - an effiecient first-aider or
ambulance crew will do this as a matter of course.
4. However, if they really don't want to see you, accept the fact
gracefully. Every crew with more than a day's experience could tell the
story of 'the doctor who got in the way'.
5. Most importantly - remember your own safety - most ambulance crews
will have a spare reflective garment, but you will need to request it.
(Remember, we're focusing on the patient(s), not you!)
6. Accept that the crew deal with similar situations every day -
their judgement is almost certainly sound, but in cases of real doubt do
not be afraid to question.
7. It may look messy, but our main concern is still the patients
breathing/airway, followed by arresting heamorrhage, treating breaks
(include spinal work here) and handling burns. All else is 'trivia' at the
roadside.
8. Remember that all casualties deteriorate over time. With the
exception of (suspected/certain) spinal trauma we would like to move
everyone to hospital as soon as possible.
Competing interests: No competing interests