Civilan responses

At least they didn't let the guy in the rollover fall asleep, and kept him warm (treated for shock).

That's all I gotta say.
 
I have always wondered this too about roll overs when you're acting as a lay person. Should you extricate? I would think you should because if there's a serious head injury, it can cause a TON of damage by having so much pressure being forced onto the brain. I'm not sure. Obviously with something like this, everyone was doing their own thing. And nobody really took any precautions. I think in this situation best thing is if you can safely get the pt out of the vehicle whiel mainting manual cSpine, that may be better.

What would be best in this situation as a lay person.
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Anyone...?
 
Never do anything unless it will help (aka "Do No Harm")

What exactly will extrication by semi or un-trained personnel do to help this patient? and do not cite rote EMT stuff, there are no rote EMT's there.
Laypersons and basic level first responders are not to move pts unless it is to save life or the situation absolutely precludes serious injury (i.e., burned hand on stove at home, etc). Gasoline all over the place might qualify, but just because it is "the thing to do" is the wrong answer. If the pt's airway is compromised, or resuscitation is necessary, or it is 20 degrees F, then you move them (no seated CPR thank you).

Also, say you happen to be driving around in your GM Jimmy and have a spineboard in the back. Ok, the pt's boarded, but again for what benefit without imminent transport and airway management? Extrication and immobilization are treatment steps and treatment preliminaries which each pose their own risks.
 
Maybe the car was gonna blow up and they thought it was a good idea to get the guy out? Dunno....

tho there was that CA case there the woman pulled a friend who another car...yeah..
 
I teach a lot of FA classes and the rule taught is you don't move anyone unless 'if you don't, they will die'. Being 'helpful' is generally percieved by the general public as doing something. Sometimes the most helpful thing is "Don't just do something.... stand there!"
 
Bystanders can be useful to find out what happened, espeically if the patient cant tell you themselves. However, bystanders can also be incredibly difficult to deal with when they want to "help".

I once witnessed a motorcycle accident while on my way to the store one evening. I pulled over since it was in my volunteer district. A couple other people who were behind the motorcycle/myself stopped to assist. A couple did traffic control, which was awesome, since the pt was lying on the line in the middle of a 2 lane highway.

Anyway, even after identifying myself I still had to argue with people who wanted to move him, sit him up, slap him to wake him up etc etc etc.

So yeah, while their observations can be useful, most actions by bystanders make me wince.
 
My general rule of thumb with bystanders is the more annoying they are, the farther away from the scene I want them. The truly annoying are given a handful of flares and told to go lay them up the road.
 
BossyCow said:
My general rule of thumb with bystanders is the more annoying they are, the farther away from the scene I want them. The truly annoying are given a handful of flares and told to go lay them up the road.
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I once did this to a guy at a major backup accident. He kept trying to help me put the C-collar on, or put straps on (my partner was helping the passenger until more helped arrived). I finally told him "We need a bottle of water. Clean, never been opened. Can you go down the cars and see if you can find one from one of the other drivers?"

It got him out of my hair for a minute so I could finish packing up the driver, get her on the stretcher, and get her in the back. By the time he started banging on the door, I told him "Oh, never mind man, I found some. Thanks anyway."

Not right of me, I know, but I think it was better than telling him to just bug off and stop trying to help.
 
PapaBear434 said:
I once did this to a guy at a major backup accident. He kept trying to help me put the C-collar on, or put straps on (my partner was helping the passenger until more helped arrived). I finally told him "We need a bottle of water. Clean, never been opened. Can you go down the cars and see if you can find one from one of the other drivers?"

It got him out of my hair for a minute so I could finish packing up the driver, get her on the stretcher, and get her in the back. By the time he started banging on the door, I told him "Oh, never mind man, I found some. Thanks anyway."

Not right of me, I know, but I think it was better than telling him to just bug off and stop trying to help.
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ROFL, my favorite with the obnoxious family member is to send them out to the end of the driveway to flag down other responders. Ah... we are a sad bunch.
 
BossyCow said:
My general rule of thumb with bystanders is the more annoying they are, the farther away from the scene I want them. The truly annoying are given a handful of flares and told to go lay them up the road.
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And when they burn themselves, get a flying piece of burning flare in their eyes (seen it happen at least twice), get run over, or cause an accident, you are liable. Yes, it sounds like a charmingly cute idea, but it's just asking for trouble, and I'd be really disappointed if you are actually doing this.
 
AJ Hidell said:
And when they burn themselves, get a flying piece of burning flare in their eyes (seen it happen at least twice), get run over, or cause an accident, you are liable. Yes, it sounds like a charmingly cute idea, but it's just asking for trouble, and I'd be really disappointed if you are actually doing this.
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That or start a wildfire. Flares are not toys. You need proper training in there use.
 
AJ Hidell said:
And when they burn themselves, get a flying piece of burning flare in their eyes (seen it happen at least twice), get run over, or cause an accident, you are liable. Yes, it sounds like a charmingly cute idea, but it's just asking for trouble, and I'd be really disappointed if you are actually doing this.
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Hey, I need the practice on eye burns. Don't tell me you don't!
 
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