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What should I do after accidents or emergencies? · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

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  SPEAKER_00: What should I do after an accident or emergency?
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  SPEAKER_00: If an accident or emergency is happening now and there is an immediate risk to life or serious harm, call 999 or 112 in the UK or your local emergency number if you are elsewhere.
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  SPEAKER_00: Follow the instructions of the emergency services.
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  SPEAKER_00: This information is general guidance and is not a substitute for emergency medical care or professional first aid advice.
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  SPEAKER_00: After an accident or emergency, it can be difficult to think clearly.
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  SPEAKER_00: Having a simple order of actions can help.
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  SPEAKER_00: First, check for immediate danger.
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  SPEAKER_00: Before approaching someone who is injured, look for risks such as traffic, fire, electricity, chemicals, falling objects, violence, or an unsafe building.
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  SPEAKER_00: Don't put yourself in danger trying to help.
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  SPEAKER_00: If the environment isn't safe, move away and alert the emergency services.
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  SPEAKER_00: Next, assess whether emergency medical help is required.
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  SPEAKER_00: If someone is seriously injured, unconscious, having difficulty breathing, experiencing severe bleeding, having a seizure, or you believe there is an immediate threat to life, call 999 or 112.
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  SPEAKER_00: Give the emergency operator clear information about where you are, what has happened, how many people are affected and any immediate dangers.
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  SPEAKER_00: Stay on the line and follow their instructions.
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  SPEAKER_00: If you're trained in first aid, provide assistance within your level of competence.
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  SPEAKER_00: If you aren't trained, follow the instructions given by the emergency call handler.
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  SPEAKER_00: Avoid moving a seriously injured person unless remaining where they are puts them in greater danger or emergency professionals instruct you to do so.
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  SPEAKER_00: Once professional help arrives, give responders any relevant information you have and follow their instructions.
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  SPEAKER_00: After the immediate emergency has passed, there are further steps to consider.
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  SPEAKER_00: If the accident happened at work, report it through your organization's accident or incident procedure as soon as reasonably possible.
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  SPEAKER_00: Record factual information about what you saw or experienced rather than assumptions about responsibility.
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  SPEAKER_00: Your employer may have additional health and safety reporting responsibilities.
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  SPEAKER_00: If you are personally involved, follow any medical advice you've been given.
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  SPEAKER_00: Some symptoms can become apparent later, so seek medical advice if you develop new, concerning or worsening symptoms.
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  SPEAKER_00: There can also be an emotional response.
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  SPEAKER_00: After an emergency, you might feel shaky, tearful, numb, irritable, or unusually alert.
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  SPEAKER_00: You may replay what happened or have difficulty sleeping.
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  SPEAKER_00: These reactions can occur after frightening events even when you weren't physically injured.
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  SPEAKER_00: Give yourself time to recover and stay connected with people you trust.
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  SPEAKER_00: If distress remains intense, worsens, or significantly affects your sleep, work, relationships, or everyday functioning, speak to your GP, EAP, or an appropriate mental health professional.
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  SPEAKER_00: After an accident or emergency, remember the sequence check for danger, get emergency help, provide appropriate first aid, follow professional instructions, report what happened, and pay attention to both your physical and psychological well being afterwards.