Be cautious in attempts to rescue accident victims – Ambulance Service advises public

The Ashanti Regional Manager of the National Ambulance Service, Paemt Sommik Duut Miilon, urges the public to be careful when helping accident victims.

He warns that good intentions can sometimes cause more harm than good.

Mr. Miilon emphasizes the importance of prioritizing Road Traffic Accidents (RTA). He explains that victims need immediate attention. Sometimes, people die not from injuries but from improper handling by bystanders.

In an interview with Luv FM, he noted that public attempts to help can worsen injuries. This can lead to fatal consequences before emergency personnel arrive.

“In Ghana, we want to help immediately after accidents,” he said. “However, some victims are better left alone until professionals arrive.”

He explained that pulling someone out of a car too soon can reduce their chances of survival.

Mr. Miilon offered life-saving tips for those at accident scenes who want to assist. He advised avoiding critical mistakes that could worsen the situation.

“Bleeding is what mostly kills,” he stated. If a victim has severe bleeding from limbs and is not trapped, apply pressure with cloth.

For amputations, use a rope to tie off the area and restrict blood flow. If something is stuck in a person’s body, do not remove it.

If someone is trapped in a car, wait for the fire service to safely extract them.

Finally, he urged the public to avoid prank calls and use emergency lines responsibly. This ensures prompt responses that can save lives.