Picture this: You’re driving along the highway on your way to work, and suddenly, you see a car accident. Or maybe you’re walking to your office, and you witness a workplace injury. What should you do in these situations? As a chiropractor who specializes in the treatment of those who have been involved in auto or workplace injuries, I want to share some tips on what to do if you see a car accident or workplace injury.
First and foremost, if you witness an accident, your first priority is to make sure that everyone involved is safe. If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. If you’re walking and see a workplace injury, immediately call 911 or your company’s emergency response team. Do not attempt to move the injured person unless they are in immediate danger.
Once everyone involved in the accident is safe, it’s time to assess the situation. Check to see if anyone is seriously injured or needs immediate medical attention. If someone is injured, call 911 immediately. If the injury is not life-threatening, call the police to report the accident.
If you are not the person involved in the accident or injury, do not try to provide medical treatment unless you are trained to do so. Attempting to move someone who is injured or providing medical treatment without proper training can actually make the situation worse. Instead, wait for the police or medical professionals to arrive and let them take care of the injured person.
It’s important to also gather information from those involved in the accident. If possible, get their names, phone numbers, and insurance information. If there are any witnesses, try to get their contact information as well. This information will be important if there are any legal or insurance issues that arise later on.
As someone who has seen firsthand the effects of workplace and auto injuries, I cannot stress enough the importance of seeking medical attention as soon as possible after an accident or injury. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not manifest symptoms until hours or even days after the accident.
If you are involved in a workplace or auto injury, seek out a chiropractor who specializes in the treatment of these injuries. Chiropractic care can help alleviate pain, increase range of motion, and improve overall function. As a chiropractor myself, I have seen firsthand the positive impact that chiropractic care can have on those who have been injured.
