Part 4
Emergencies
The previous chapters have provided advice that can help avoid emergencies. It is vital that you study and learn that information and apply it whenever you are driving or riding a motor vehicle. This part is a guide to what you should do if you are involved in a crash or other emergency situation.
4.1
How to Handle Emergencies
You must not use the horn or any other warning instrument on your vehicle, except in an emergency or to prevent injury to a person or property.
4.1.1 Breakdown on the road
Approach a broken-down vehicle or crash scene with caution, but do not allow yourself to be distracted from the road.
Look out for pedestrians at the scene.
If your vehicle develops engine trouble and begins to slow, move to the left as far as possible from traffic.
If your vehicle breaks down on the road in an exposed position: n activate the hazard warning lights immediately;
n have passengers leave the vehicle when it is safe to do so and keep them well clear of traffic;
n if possible, avoid working on the traffic side of your vehicle;
n you may place a hazard warning triangle to the side of the road or a traffic lane. Within a ‘built-up’ area, place the triangle up to 50 metres away. Outside ‘built-up’ areas or on high-speed roads, place it up to 200 metres away. When walking to place the triangle, hold it in front of you to alert drivers to the hazard. Hold it behind you when you collect it and return to your vehicle. If you are driving a heavy vehicle (more than 12 tonnes), you must use these triangles if your vehicle is broken down at night on a road outside ‘built-up’ areas;
n if you have a bright, reflective safety vest – wear it; and
n during an on-road emergency use a CB radio ‘road channel’ to alert approaching traffic, particularly heavy vehicles.
Emergency assistance may sometimes be reached via the government allocated CB radio ‘Emergency Channel 9 (on HF) or 5 (on UHF). Try both simplex and duplex.
4.1.2 Tyre blow-out (rapid puncture)
A front wheel puncture will pull your vehicle in the direction of the puncture. For example, if the puncture is in the right front tyre, the vehicle will be pulled to the right. A rear wheel puncture will tend to cause your vehicle to swerve from side to side. If a puncture occurs:
n keep a firm grip on the steering wheel; n do not oversteer to correct any swerve or pull; n take your foot off the accelerator;
n once you have gained better control of the car, gently apply the brakes; n slow down, pull over to the side of the road, and stop in a safe spot; and n if your car is fitted with hazard lights, switch them on.
4.1.3 A stuck accelerator
If you release the accelerator pedal to reduce speed and the car continues at the same speed or accelerates, your accelerator is stuck. If this happens:
n depress the clutch, or in an automatic vehicle, select ‘NEUTRAL’ (‘N’); n apply firm pressure on the brakes without locking the wheels;
n find a safe place to pull off the road and stop; n stop and then turn off the ignition; and
n if your car is fitted with hazard lights, switch them on. 4.1.4 Brake failure
If you push the brake pedal down and the car does not slow down or stop, you are experiencing brake failure. If this happens:
n it may help to pump the brake pedal hard and fast;
n move to a lower gear whether you are driving a manual or an automatic vehicle; n gently apply the handbrake;
n if necessary, use your horn and/or flash your headlights to warn other drivers; n move to the side of the road;
n carefully stop the vehicle using the handbrake; and n if your car is fitted with hazard lights, switch them on.
4.1.5 Possible head-on collision
Another vehicle is speeding towards you and a head-on collision seems likely. If this happens:
n brake firmly without skidding, while flashing your lights and sounding your horn; n give the oncoming vehicle all the room you can;
n look for an avenue of escape; and
n prepare for further evasive action, including pulling off the road if necessary. 4.1.6 Forced on to the gravel
If you have been forced on to the gravel edge of a road, don’t rush to get back on to the road, instead:
n keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and drive in a straight line; and n slow down and check traffic before you enter the road again.
4.1.7 Bonnet flies up
If your bonnet flies up while you are driving: n slow down;
n look through the gap under the hinge of the bonnet or use side windows to retain a view of the road; and
n brake smoothly to a stop, pulling off the road as soon as possible. 4.1.8 Shattered windscreen
If your windscreen shatters while you are driving: n slow down; and
n pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible. 4.1.9 Stalled on a railway crossing
If you hear or see a train coming, leave the car immediately.
Do not risk your life or those of your passengers trying to save your car. If no trains are coming:
n make one or two attempts to re-start the engine, but be careful not to flatten the battery;
n if you are unable to re-start the engine, get out of the car and seek help to push your vehicle off the track;
n if your car has a manual transmission, you may be able to move it off the track by trying this procedure:
• put the car in first or reverse gear;
• release the clutch and take your feet off all the pedals; and
• turn the key to, and hold it in, the start position (the car should move enough to get you off the track); and
n if your car has an automatic transmission, select ‘NEUTRAL’ (‘N’) and try to push it off the track.
4.1.10 Car fire
Most vehicle fires are caused by a short circuit in the electrical system. If this happens: n slow down and stop and turn off the ignition;
n get any passengers out of the car and away from the fire;
n if the fire is beyond control, move away – petrol may cause an explosion; n if you have an appropriate extinguisher, use it to put out the fire;
n if you do not have an extinguisher, try to extinguish the flames with a thick cloth or garment, sand or dirt;
n try to isolate and remove the cause. Disconnect the battery quickly if possible. If this is not practicable rip loose any burning wires with a handy instrument; n NEVER touch burning wires or insulation with your bare hands; and n call for help.
4.1.11 Skids
A skid occurs when your car’s wheels lock and the car is being dragged along by its own momentum. When this happens, you lose steering control. The only way to regain control of the car is to stop the skid.
What causes skids?
A skid does not just happen. It is almost always the result of a driver’s actions,
such as:
n sudden or excessive braking; n harsh acceleration;
n coarse or uncontrolled steering; or n excessive speed.
4.2
Post Crash Management
A crash is something you will try to avoid. However, should you be involved in one, you must know what to do.
If you are involved in a crash: n stop immediately;
n help anyone who has been injured but before doing so, check that your actions do not put yourself or others in danger. Send someone for help if required;
n give your name, address and number plate to the owner or driver of the other vehicle. If property has been damaged, give the owner of the property your
particulars as well;
n if someone has been injured, report the crash to the Insurance Commission of Western Australia. You can do this by telephoning 9264 3333 (in Perth) or, if you are in the country, you can ring 1800 643 338. Otherwise the crash can
be reported online at www.crashreport.com.au. Provide the name and address of all drivers, number plates of all vehicles, time, date and location of the crash; and n if any injury has occurred, or if there is more than $3,000 damage done to vehicles
and/or property (in total), or if the owner of the damaged property is not present, you MUST report the crash to the police.
If you are involved in a crash where someone has been injured you must stop immediately and help. If you do not stop, the penalties are very severe.
You could be imprisoned, lose your licence, be fined or accrue demerit points.
If you are removing a wrecked or damaged vehicle from a road, you must also remove any glass or other destructive, injurious or dangerous substance or item that has fallen on the road from that vehicle.
If the driver of the vehicle is injured, the person who removes the vehicle from the road is responsible for removing any dangerous or loose material.
Skids are dangerous at all times, but certain conditions can make them even worse.
For example:
n poor car maintenance, such as bald tyres and low tyre pressure; and n road conditions – water, oil or sand on the road can make it slippery. The ABC of avoiding skids.
You are unlikely to have much time or space to correct a skid. A clear understanding of the causes of skidding will help you to avoid them. Adjust your speed to suit driving conditions and always remember the ABC of skid prevention:
n Accelerate gently; n Brake gently; and n Corner gently.
4.3
First Aid
When someone is injured, the first few minutes after a crash are vital. Until trained help arrives, your knowledge of first aid may save a life. An injured person may have life-threatening injuries, such as a blocked airway or severe bleeding.
Consider undertaking a first aid course so you are prepared to help at the scene of a crash.
4.3.1 How can you help?
Remember the St John Ambulance Action Plan, DRSABCD: n Danger; n Response; n Send; n Airway; n Breathing; n CPR; and n Defibrillation. Danger
Check whether there is any danger to yourself first, then bystanders and then the injured person.
If possible:
n Position your car to protect the crash scene; n Switch on hazard warning lights or indicators; n Send someone to warn approaching traffic;
n Secure the damaged vehicle by turning off the ignition and putting on the handbrake; n Prevent others from smoking near the crash site; and
n Stay away from fallen power lines, especially if close to or touching the damaged vehicle.
Do not move injured people unless they are in danger.
Response
1. Check whether the injured person is conscious or unconscious;
2. If conscious, talk to them and reassure
them. Check for injuries and treat; and
3. If there is no response, send for help
and then check their airway.
Send for Help
n Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance; or
n If there is a bystander present ask this person to make the call.
Airway
Airway management has the highest priority. It is essential to ensure that the airway is open and clear so that breathing is possible.
1. Open the airway by lifting the chin and tilting the head back;
2. Open mouth to look inside for foreign material e.g. vomit, fluid, broken teeth; and
3. If foreign material is found, clear the airway using your fingers remove any vomit,
Breathing
1. Check for normal breathing for up to ten seconds by looking for chest movement, listening for breathing and feeling for breaths. Gasping for breath is not normal breathing.
2. If the person is breathing
normally, monitor their breathing, manage injuries and treat for shock.
3. If the injured person is not
breathing normally, start CPR.
If the injured person is unconscious and trapped in the car, you can still perform CPR by tilting the seat back as far as possible to allow for better access and positioning yourself to give CPR.
CPR = Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
CPR is the process of giving 30 chest compressions followed by two breaths. You would expect to achieve five sets of 30 chest compressions and two breaths in about two minutes.
Signs of life = breathing normally, responsive and moving.
If the person is not breathing normally (a gasp is not normal breathing), responding or moving, begin CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation).
Giving chest compressions
With the injured person on their back, give 30 chest compressions:
n Locate the lower half of the injured person’s breastbone and place the heel of one hand, the other on top, to push
the breastbone down one third in depth. Repeat for 30 chest compressions.
Giving breaths
n Give two breaths by tilting the head with a chin lift, pinch the nose, cover the injured person’s mouth with your own and breathe.
n Only stop CPR if the injured person begins to breathe normally and is responsive, more qualified help arrives, or you are physically unable to continue.
If you are unwilling or unable to perform breaths, compression-only CPR will be better than not doing CPR at all.
Defibrillation
A defibrillator is used to treat sudden cardiac arrest. If a defibrillator is available, apply the defibrillator and follow the voice prompts.
Recommence CPR when instructed by the voice prompt. Continue CPR until the injured person pushes you away or more qualified help arrives.
Moving a patient
Unless absolutely necessary, do not move a patient until medical aid arrives.
Moving a patient unnecessarily may lead to further injury. If the patient’s life is endangered (e.g. risk of an explosion, fire, gas, electrical), remove the person from the scene by the quickest and safest means available, regardless of injuries or the manner in which removal must be made.
If head, neck or spinal injuries are suspected, support the head and neck in a neutral position before carefully moving.
Remember, airway and breathing always take precedence.
Stay with the patient
If it is safe to do so, stay with the injured person, and do not leave them alone. This is particularly important if the person is in shock.
If you are the only person on the scene and need to seek help, place a breathing unconscious person in the recovery position, if possible. This assists their breathing.
n give 30 compressions followed by two effective breaths;
n continue compressions until trained help arrives.
4.3.2 When the injured person is bleeding To stop external bleeding (any visible bleeding from a wound):
n apply direct pressure to the wound. Use whatever is available, for example, your hands or an item of clothing;
n if an arm or leg is bleeding, raise it to reduce blood flow to the area;
n if you have a cloth, use it to make a pad and cover the wound, then bandage it;
n never remove the original dressing. This will only disturb the clot that is forming. If bleeding
continues, put more pads over it; and
n if pieces of metal, glass or wood are found in the wound apply pressure to the surrounding areas but do not remove object. If a broken bone is protruding
apply pressure to the wound edges only.
If the person is bleeding from the ear, lay them on their side (bleeding side down) with a pad under the ear. If the person is bleeding from the nose, apply direct pressure on the soft lower part of the nostril, sit the casualty up and lean the head forward.
4.3.3 Rest and reassure the injured person
Do not make the injuries worse by moving the person unnecessarily. However, there are times when you must move the casualty.
Move the casualty only if:
n They are in danger, such as from fire or traffic; n Their position makes it impossible to give first aid; or
n They are unconscious and breathing normally and must be placed in the recovery position. Do not leave the injured person alone, unless you are the only person on
the scene and need to seek help. If you need to leave an injured person that is unconscious and breathing normally, place them in the recovery position then seek help. On your return, check airway and breathing and continue to monitor until medical aid arrives.
If you are considering learning First Aid you can find more information online at www.stjohnambulance.com.au.
Visit the St John Ambulance web site at www.stjohnambulance.com.au and complete the interactive clicktosave First Aid Course.
(This information has been provided by St John Ambulance (Western Australia) Inc).
4.4
Emergency Vehicles
You can identify an emergency vehicle by its siren or its red and/or blue flashing lights. The types of vehicles that are used in emergencies are:
n police cars; n fire engines; n ambulances; and
n vehicles used to convey blood or other supplies for a person urgently requiring treatment. What should you do when there is an emergency vehicle in your immediate vicinity? n do not panic;
n check where the emergency vehicle is coming from and give way to it; n move as far as to the left of the road if you can; and
n if you cannot move left, slow down or stop. Let the emergency vehicle drive around you.
It is an offence not to give way to an emergency vehicle.
4.5
Aggressive Driving or Behaviour
Aggressive driving includes the following types of behaviour:
n a person driving alongside you, shouting or making obscene gestures, pointing and demanding that you pull over;
n another vehicle following too closely (tailgating you);
n the driver in front slowing down in an attempt to force you to stop; n a driver flashing headlights and/or sounding the horn continuously; or
n a person getting out of a vehicle and approaching you in a threatening manner.
Minimising risk
You can reduce the risk of being confronted by an aggressive driver if you: n drive in a courteous manner;
n are aware of what is happening around you; n avoid cutting in front of other drivers;
n slow down to allow a vehicle to move into your lane; n do not drive too close to the car in front; and
n keep well clear of a vehicle being driven in an erratic or unsafe way.
Protecting yourself
If another driver acts aggressively or abusively, you should: n keep calm and remain in control of your actions;
n make sure that all of your windows are up and your doors are locked; n aim to distance yourself from the other vehicle;
n if another vehicle follows you, drive to the nearest police station or public place where there are people;
n record the number plate, colour, make and model of the offending driver’s vehicle; and
n remain courteous and tolerant toward the other driver and try to diffuse the situation.
Reporting aggressive driving or behaviour
If you witness, or are involved in an aggressive driving incident, call the police as soon as possible on 9222 1111.
