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| The illustration of treating wounds during an accident. (Photo by Lailia PR of UMM) |
When seeing someone having an accident, we often get confused about what to do, whereas First Aid in Accidents (Translated: Tindakan Pertolongan Pertama pada Kecelakaan [P3K]) carried out correctly will minimize disability or suffering and even save the victim from death. In contrast, if the first aid action is done improperly, it can worsen the situation and even lead to death.
In response to that, dr. Muhammad Gagas Sasongko, the Medical Science Lecturer at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), shares his tips. When finding accident victims, people should not panic because it is feared that it will increase the victim’s risk of injury.
Therefore, the guidelines of PATUT are something to do. With an abbreviation of P (Penolong mengamankan diri sendiri lebih dahulu sebelum bertindak) [Helpers secure themselves first before acting], A (Amankan korban dari gangguan di tempat kejadian) [Secure the victim from disturbances at the scene to avoid them from danger], T (Tandai tempat kejadian sehingga orang lain tahu bahwa di tempat itu ada kecelakaan) [Mark the scene to let others know there was an accident], U (Usahakan menghubungi ambulans, dokter, rumah sakit atau yang berwajib seperti polisi atau keamanan setempat) [Try to contact an ambulance, doctor, hospital, or the authorities, like the policy or lcoal security], and T (Tindakan pertolongan terhadap korban dalam urutan yang paling tepat) [Assist the victim in the most appropriate order].
"The first action that can be taken is to ensure a response. We can do this by patting or shaking the victim carefully on the shoulder and asking loudly," he explains.
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Secondly, the helper should see simultaneously if the victim is not breathing or breathing abnormally (gasping). If they are unresponsive, it should be considered that the victim is in cardiac arrest.
The third action is to perform cardiac massage (CPR). Lay rescuers cannot accurately assess whether the victim has a pulse. CPR may be stopped if the victim regains consciousness, is pronounced dead, or endangers the rescuer.
“Fourth, if the victim’s body is bleeding, the helper can press the injured area using a clean cloth or tissue to stop the bleeding,” adds Gagas.
The UMM’s Faculty of Medical Science Lecturer also says if the victim is still wearing a helmet, the helper can remove the victim’s helmet in several ways. If it is egg-shaped, pull the helmet up and to the side to avoid getting stuck in the ear. Conversely, if the helmet is full-face shaped, remove the glass and lift the lower side obliquely forward, followed by a withdrawal in the opposite direction of the first movement.
“It is crucial to keep calm and reduce motion for all helpers. Maintain head stability to control airway and inline of position. If you have a neck brace, use it instead,” advises Gagas. (imh/dev/wil)
