First aid is not the best help for crash victims: UAE official

Sharjah - Call the emergency hotlines before trying to help crash victims.

If an individual finds himself right in front of an accident site, should he help the injured? An official from the National Ambulance has said the rule of thumb is: Call the emergency hotlines.
Bystanders' effort to help can make an emergency situation better - or worse, according to the National Ambulance team that covers the Northern Emirates.
"With the right first aid, they may be able to save the person's life. But if an injured person is moved in the wrong way, for example, more complications and risks may arise," the official said.
"Thus, it is necessary to leave the medical situation to the trained rescuers."
The best help a person can provide is to call the hotlines 999, 998 or 997, and get in touch with the authorities.
"In reporting the accident, the bystander should describe the situation to the rescuers, who can then give the appropriate advice if there's anything that can be done while waiting for the ambulance," he said.
Authorities in Sharjah also reiterated the recent warning issued by the Ministry of Interior (MoI). Residents should avoid crowding around accident sites at all costs, as this may cause delays for the emergency personnel.
The MoI has set a fine of Dh1,000 and six black points for those who would be found obstructing or blocking roads near accident sites.
Major Rashid bin Sandal, head of the rescue department of traffic and patrols, said that despite widespread awareness campaigns, many onlookers are still found gathering at accident sites.
"Besides causing delays, such a habit exposes also exposes them to danger. If it's a fire incident in a building, for an instance, a debris might fall and hit them on the head or they could be suffocated," Maj Bin Sandal said.
He also warned against taking and sharing photos or videos of crashes and other accidents, underlining that these are offences, punishable by imprisonment and fines of up to Dh150,000 under the UAE's cybercrime law.
- afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah