What to Do if You Find a Casualty on the Road After a Hit-and-Run

If you encounter an unconscious person on the road due to a hit-and-run, it is crucial to prioritize their safety while considering your own. This article will guide you through the necessary steps to ensure the casualty's well-being and your safety. Following these instructions can help save lives and ensure proper medical attention.

Do Not Move the Casualty

Unless there is an immediate danger like a fire or oncoming traffic, do not move the person. Moving them could exacerbate potential injuries, especially if they have a spinal injury. It is essential to remain calm and assess the situation before taking any action.

Ensure Your Safety

The safety of you and the casualty is the top priority. Make sure you are safe from traffic. If possible, park your vehicle safely and use hazard lights to alert other drivers. This will help prevent additional accidents or collisions.

Call Emergency Services

Immediately call emergency services, such as 911 in the U.S., to report the incident. Provide them with as much information as possible, including the location, the condition of the person, and any details about the hit-and-run vehicle if you have them. This information will help first responders arrive more prepared.

Check for Responsiveness

If it is safe to do so, gently check if the person is responsive by tapping their shoulder and speaking loudly. If they are unresponsive and not breathing, be prepared to perform CPR if you are trained. CPR can be crucial in jumpstarting the heart and lungs until professional medical help arrives.

Provide Basic First Aid

If the person is breathing but unconscious, place them in the recovery position to keep their airway clear. Monitor their breathing and be ready to provide additional assistance until help arrives.

Stay with the Casualty

Remain with the person until emergency services arrive. Provide reassurance if they regain consciousness. Avoid giving them anything to eat or drink as they may need medical treatment that could be compromised if they ingest anything.

Park Your Car at an Angle to Block Traffic

To prevent further injuries, park your vehicle at an angle to block traffic from hitting the casualty. This action increases the likelihood of other drivers noticing the accident and taking appropriate actions to avoid accidents.

Guidelines Summarized

Do not move the casualty unless there is an immediate danger. Ensure your safety by parking safely and using hazard lights. Call emergency services immediately and provide as much information as possible. Check the casualty's responsiveness and be prepared to perform CPR if trained. Place the casualty in the recovery position and monitor their breathing. Stay with the casualty until help arrives and avoid giving them anything to eat or drink. Park your car at an angle to block traffic from hitting the casualty.

Note: In many cases, especially in dire circumstances, the operator may put on trained personnel to walk you through triage and potentially save a life before they get there.

Keywords: hit-and-run, first aid, emergency services