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What to do in a traffic accident

When you arrive at the scene of a traffic accident, you should be careful and stay calm. There may be a wide range of different situations, and road and traffic conditions vary considerably at different times of the day and the year. It is important that you start helping those who have been involved in the accident in a way that is safe for you and other road users.

  1. Warn other road users without delay.
  2. Try and rescue any persons who have been injured and move them out of danger if necessary.
  3. Call 112 as soon as possible.
  4. Start first aid firefighting if necessary.

Stop and help, rather than take pictures.

Pay attention to safety

  • Park your vehicle in a safe place.
  • Turn on your hazards lights.
  • Make sure you can be seen (reflective vest, reflector or torch).

Assess the situation

  • Quickly make a rough assessment of the situation by looking at the scene, listening and asking questions about what happened.
  • Determine how serious the accident is.
  • Find out how many people are injured and what condition they are in.

Actions

Follow these steps or share tasks if you have other people to help you.

Emergency call

  • Call 112 and report the emergency. If the call is not answered immediately, DO NOT HANG UP.
  • Give the exact location of the scene (such as road name, location and lane).
  • Describe simply what happened (for example: an accident involving 2 cars, 4 victims in total, 2 inside vehicles and unconscious, 2 appear to have no injuries).
  • Listen to the operator's questions and follow the instructions they give.
  • Only hang up when the operator tells you to do so.

Warning other road users

  • Warn other road users.
  • If you have someone to help you, take warning triangles far enough out in both directions.

First aid 

  • Give first aid as far as you are able to, examine and help victims as you go along. However, giving life-saving first aid is the most important thing. You should pay particular attention to the victims who are quiet!
    secure all victims’ breathing and circulation.
  • Prevent suffocation by opening their airways. Grab the victim’s chin and lift the head up slightly.
  • Stop major bleeding.
  • Keep the victims warm.
  • Observe the situation and try to keep the victims calm until professional help arrives. Do not go away or stop helping before the professionals tell you to do so.

Moving injured persons in an emergency 

  • You should only do this if you must in order to save someone's life. For example, if an accident victim cannot get out of a burning car.

First aid firefighting 

  • Use any equipment that is available.

Read more:

Medical helicopter services in Finland
Traffic situation