Upon Arrival At A Motor Vehicle Crash: What Should An Emt Do?

Two injured in twocar crash in Bridgeport from www.ctpost.com

Introduction

As an emergency medical technician (EMT), arriving at a motor vehicle crash can be overwhelming. Your first priority is to assess the situation and provide immediate medical attention to those who are injured. However, it is also important to follow a set of protocols and procedures to ensure that you are providing the best possible care. In this article, we will discuss what an EMT should do upon arrival at a motor vehicle crash.

Assess the Scene

The first thing an EMT should do upon arriving at the scene of a motor vehicle crash is to assess the scene. This involves looking for any hazards such as broken glass, leaking fuel or wires, and any other objects that could cause harm. It is important to ensure that the area is safe for both the EMT and the patients.

Stabilize the Scene

After assessing the scene, the EMT should stabilize the scene. This means setting up cones or flares to alert other drivers to the accident and prevent further collisions. This also involves ensuring that the patients are safe and secure and that their injuries are not aggravated.

Assess the Patients

Once the scene is secure, the EMT should assess the patients. This includes checking their vital signs, asking them questions about their injuries, and determining the severity of each injury. This information will help the EMT prioritize treatment and transport decisions.

Provide Basic Life Support

If necessary, the EMT should provide basic life support to the patients. This includes administering oxygen, controlling bleeding, and immobilizing any broken bones. The goal is to stabilize the patients and prevent further injury or harm.

Coordinate with Other Emergency Services

The EMT should also coordinate with other emergency services such as the police and fire department. This ensures that everyone is working together and that the patients receive the best possible care.

Transport the Patients

Once the patients have been assessed and stabilized, the EMT should transport them to the hospital. This involves placing them on a stretcher or in an ambulance and monitoring their condition throughout the journey.

Documentation

Documentation is an important part of the EMT's job. It is important to document the patients' injuries, vital signs, and treatment provided. This information is used for billing purposes and can also be used in legal proceedings.

EMT Equipment

EMTs use a variety of equipment to provide medical care to patients. Here are some of the most common pieces of equipment and their prices in 2021:

Equipment	Price
Stethoscope	$20-$200
Blood pressure cuff	$20-$50
Oxygen tank	$200-$500
Splint	$10-$50
Backboard	$100-$500

Conclusion

Arriving at a motor vehicle crash can be a stressful and overwhelming experience for an EMT. However, by following a set of protocols and procedures, the EMT can provide the best possible care to the patients. It is important to assess the scene, stabilize the area, assess the patients, provide basic life support, coordinate with other emergency services, transport the patients, and document the incident. With the right equipment and training, an EMT can make a difference in the lives of those involved in motor vehicle crashes.