Accident scenes can be overwhelming, especially if you are the first person to arrive. There may be noise, confusion, injured people, and a lot of uncertainty. In these moments, what you say can make a real difference.
Clear, calm communication helps accident victims stay still, stay calm, and wait safely for emergency services. You don’t need medical training to help — focusing on a few simple things to say can already provide valuable support.
If you find yourself first on the scene of an accident, focus on three key messages while emergency services are on their way.
If the accident victim is conscious and responsive, reassurance should come first.
Let them know that help is on the way and that emergency services have been contacted or are being contacted. This helps reduce panic and anxiety, which can otherwise lead to unnecessary movement or distress.
Speak slowly and clearly. Keep your message simple and factual. For example, telling someone that help is coming and that they are not alone can provide immediate comfort in a frightening situation.
Avoid making promises about their condition or recovery. Statements like “you’ll be fine” may feel reassuring, but they can be misleading. Instead, focus on what you know for certain: that help is on the way and that you are there to assist them until professionals arrive.
Once the person has been reassured, encourage them to remain as still as possible.
After an accident, injuries are not always obvious. Moving around too much can worsen injuries, especially if there may be internal injuries, neck trauma, or fractures. Calmly asking the victim to stay still can help prevent further harm.
Let them know that you will stay with them and keep an eye on them until paramedics arrive. This reassurance can help them feel safer and more willing to remain still while waiting for help.
If the person needs to move slightly for comfort, encourage small, careful movements rather than standing up or walking around.
If the accident victim is able to speak and feels comfortable doing so, you can gently gather basic medical information that may help emergency responders when they arrive.
Paramedics often use the SAMPLE method to collect key information. You don’t need to remember everything, but any details you can provide may be useful.
If the person is struggling to answer or seems distressed, do not push them. Your role is to assist, not to interrogate. Even a small amount of information can be helpful.
If the person is unresponsive
If the accident victim is unconscious or unresponsive, contact emergency services immediately if this has not already been done.
Do not move the person unless there is an immediate danger, such as fire, smoke, or oncoming traffic. Moving an unconscious person unnecessarily can cause further injury.
Stay with the person and follow any instructions given by emergency services over the phone until help arrives.
Stay calm and keep the scene safe
In addition to what you say to the accident victim, try to remain calm and aware of your surroundings. If it is safe to do so, keep the area clear and discourage bystanders from crowding around the injured person.
Clear communication, reassurance, and staying calm can help stabilise the situation until professional help arrives.
Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. Even with the best intentions, it is not always possible to provide assistance on your own.
Having reliable car insurance and access to emergency support can make a difference when every minute counts. Miway’s Emergency Alert service is designed to help trigger assistance quickly when you need it most, giving you added peace of mind on the road.
