Handle With Care: Why the First Few Minutes After an Accident Matter

 



A Memory That Changed Everything

I was a teenager when I witnessed my first major accident. One of my friends was hit on the road, and in our panic, we rushed to help—lifting and dragging without any idea of what we might be risking.

Now, as a neuro physiotherapist, I understand the gravity of those first few minutes. Our good intentions, if not guided by knowledge, can sometimes do more harm than good.

The Alarming Numbers in Our Country

  • India ranks #1 in road accident deaths worldwide, with over 4.6 lakh accidents annually
  • Of those, nearly 1.6 lakh people die, and many others survive with severe spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
  • A significant number of these survivors end up totally dependent, often due to improper handling before they reach medical care.

Why Proper Positioning Matters

The spine and head are the most vulnerable during an accident. If the neck or back is twisted, tilted, or moved suddenly, it can cause:

  • Spinal cord injury – leading to permanent paralysis.
  • Worsening of a brain injury – causing bleeding or swelling in the brain.
  • Loss of airway or breathing issues – if the person is laid flat without support.

In trauma, stabilizing the neck and spine is more important than rushing—because irreversible damage can happen in seconds

Never Remove Helmets Without Training

If the person is wearing a helmet, do not remove it unless they are choking or not breathing. An untrained removal can:

  • Snap the cervical spine
  • Lead to complete quadriplegia (full body paralysis)
  • Cause airway obstruction if not done correctly

Let emergency responders handle helmet removal if possible. If you must, it needs to be a two-person job with the neck supported throughout.

Be Careful While Shifting – Don't Make a Lifelong Mistake

In India, people often rush to help with good intentions—but poor technique. Pulling, dragging, or lifting a person without support can:

  • Damage the spinal cord irreversibly
  • Turn a manageable injury into a permanent disability

The right way to transfer someone:

  •  Check consciousness, breathing, and bleeding.
  • Call emergency services immediately.
  • Keep the person still—especially the head and neck.

If you must move them:

  • Use a flat board or stretcher if available.
  • Ensure at least 2–3 people support the head, neck, and spine in a straight line.
  • Avoid twisting or bending the body.
  • Maintain neutral alignment.

Modes of Safe Transfer

  • Ambulance is always the safest mode, especially with spine boards and cervical collars.
  • If using a private vehicle:
  • Lay the person flat on a stiff surface like a door or plywood.
  • Ensure minimal movement during travel.
  • Support the neck with rolled towels or cloths on either side.

Long-Term Impact of Improper Handling

As someone working with neurological rehab patients, I’ve seen lives changed forever—not just because of the accident, but because of the way they were handled afterward.

A fall, twist, or jerk during rescue can lead to:

*Permanent spinal cord damage

*Loss of independence

*Emotional trauma for both the patient and their family

Final Words: Care Begins at the Scene

Accidents don’t wait for experts to be around. Sometimes, it’s ordinary people—friends, strangers, bystanders—who hold the power to change a life’s direction. And in those critical first minutes, knowledge is the difference between rescue and regret.

If you remember nothing else, remember this

👉 Stay calm

👉 Stabilize the head and spine

👉 Call for help

👉 Move only if absolutely necessary—and move wisely

Let us all be not just quick responders—but wise ones.

“Saving a life isn’t just about getting someone to a hospital. It’s about getting them there the right way.”

—Written from experience, guided by science, and offered with hope.

🧠 Cerebrations by Divya

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