Additional emergency equipment to be carried in the car
Today I watched a man die. Not the first time for me, but this was so unnecessary.
I came across a car crashed into a banking and a tree. It had then rolled half on its side into a ditch.
I was not the first on the scene, but I stopped to make sure the first arrival had a mobile and could call for assistance. He had and said they were on their way.
Looking inside from the passenger side, we could see a man, about mid 20’s, slumped over the steering wheel. He was conscious, but understandably groggy.
We tried to open the passenger door, but it was jammed. We tried everything we had with us to get it open, but to no avail.
That was when the man inside (he said his name was Michael) raise his head and say “my left leg’s bleeding. I think it’s bad”
Now I know better than to move someone in a bad car accident. You can do more damage than good, but pressure on a wound or a tourniquet I also know about. We tried everything we could think of to get into that car. All the windows. Back to the door, but nothing worked.
We just had to stand there for about 15 minutes till the ambulance arrived. The paramedic jumped out, pulled on the door, dived back into the ambulance and came out with a damned great crow bar. He had that door open in seconds.
He climbed inside, checked for pulse etc. then looked out and said, “Sorry, he’s gone”.
Tomorrow, on the way to work, I’m stopping off at the builder’s yard and buying a crow bar.
Recommend0 recommendationsPublished in Senior Chatters
Its sad isnt it way. Its all the electric windows and doors etc once the engine goes they are of no use. I remember about ten years ago now I heard a huge bang and then heard screaming, and seen two kids one of about 16 and the other about ten climbing out of a car. The mother dead on impact with broken neck. The 16 yr old said her Mum had swerved to miss a bird. Another accident in a different house outside my place, cant even repeat that accident still in my head. But your crowbar idea is a good one xxx
So very sad way, you did your best, yes crowbar in our car after reading this, thank you for posting xxx
Good idea Way.
so sorry way you went trough that ordeal, you did your best, a tyre lever works nearly as well sometimes. you did your best nothing more you could have done. bless you. xx
Sometimes things just plain suck!!!!!
What a tragedy, Way and I think your idea of getting a crowbar is excellent. You might also consider buying a fire extinguisher at the same time. An uncle tried his best to get a family out of a crashed locked up car that was on fire, but just wasn’t able to get near enough to open the car door. He had to watch that family die in agony – not something he’s ever been able to forget.
Thanks for posting.