Stop moving crash victims; improper rescue costing lives – Red Cross urges public

The Guyana Red Cross Society is urging the public to stop the dangerous practice of lifting and transporting road crash victims in private vehicles, warning that the well-intentioned act has, in many cases, contributed to preventable deaths. The call was made during the Road Safety and You television programme, aired this week, where representatives of the Guyana National Road Safety Council (NRSC) and the Red Cross discussed proper emergency response procedures. During the programme, Red Cross First Aid Instructor Collis De Abreu stressed that the first few minutes after a crash are critical and that knowing how to assist can determine whether a victim survives.
“The main thing that I want to emphasise… is the importance of first aid,” he said. “Often times persons overlook first aid. But first aid plays a big part in responding to accidents… Knowing how to help makes the difference.”
De Abreu explained that the public should follow the three Cs of first aid: Check, Call, and Care. He noted that the first priority at any accident is to ensure the scene is safe. “We want to look around to make sure that the vehicle is not on fire… that there isn’t any fuel leakage… And if the vehicle engine is still running, if we can, we try to turn off the car.”
He warned, however, that one of the most dangerous mistakes is moving an injured person, particularly if they appear conscious. “One of the main things that we never do in an accident is to move someone. As long as the person is breathing and conscious… we never want to try to move them.” Programme host and NRSC Chairman Earl Lambert, also speaking on Road Safety and You, emphasised that while many bystanders rush to assist, improper handling can worsen injuries or lead to death. “Too often, we find that when an accident occurs, people are lifting victims and putting them in vehicles to rush them to the hospital. I want to tell you that it is not the right thing… You can be causing more harm.” He added that emergency medical teams are trained to stabilise victims before moving them.
“If you put a person on the back of a pickup or in a car, you are going to cause that person’s demise.” The presenters urged the public to call the emergency ambulance number, 912, instead and wait for trained responders. “Always call. Make sure help is on the way. And you can get an ambulance at the number 912.” De Abreu emphasised. They further noted that there may be legal consequences for individuals who improperly move victims. “If you move somebody and you’re not a qualified first aider, you can be charged,” the programme explained, referencing Good Samaritan protection laws that apply only to persons who are trained and certified. The Red Cross encouraged members of the public, drivers in particular, to consider enrolling in first aid training. “We can save lives when there are victims from accidents. But instead, we can contribute to death if we don’t do the right thing.” Persons desirous of receiving first aid certification can contact the Guyana Red Cross Society on 227-1116.