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 Dealing with an emergency is a stressful situation. Unfortunately, we don't always have the time to sit back and think about what to do or wait for the emergency services to arrive. Whilst we all hope we will never have to deal with one, chances are we will. Therefore, it is best to be prepared for such a situation. Regardless of it being a car crash, heart attack or a near drowning, we have to be ready to deal with a variety of accidents.
Dealing with the victims requires a thorough knowledge of first aid. First aid courses are common in most countries and if you haven’t done one, you should enrol in one as soon as possible. Often, they only take an hour's instruction for a few weeks before the course is completed, yet for such a miniscule effort, they can be instrumental in saving lives. A few important steps should be followed in emergency situations:
1. Call for help. Be aware of national emergency numbers when travelling. In the US it's 911, In Europe a new continent wide number is 112. If you can't call for help, try and send someone to do so. We cannot deal with emergencies on our own and professional help should be summoned as quickly as possible. Give details regarding the nature of the accident, how many are injured, the location and if necessary, directions to the scene. Try not to panic as this is of no use to anyone.
2. Survey the scene at once. Obviously, if the car is on fire, it will necessitate removing any occupants from the car. If someone is having a heart attack, make space for them so they are not being trampled over by onlookers.
 Related: Watch video of how to perform adult CPR
Related: View US Marine Corp instruction manual of First Aid The common basics of First Aid are the following:
a. Prioritise - Not everyone is equally injured. Blood pumping from an artery on person A is a more serious condition than scratches on the legs of person B. In extreme scenarios with a large number of injured, it is possible you may have to decide between those it is possible to help and those you cannot.
b. Check their airway is clear, they are breathing and have a pulse. If not clear their airway and begin CPR. CPR involves breathing into the victims mouth to give them oxygen and pressing up and down on their chest rapidly causing the heart to 'pump'. A ratio of 30 to 2 is recommended, i.e. give 30 compressions and then 2 breaths.. Drowning and severe heart attack victims often require CPR.
c. Check for bleeding. Stemming blood flow is also a priority. Place pressure on any veins or arteries to stem blood flow. Tourniquets are only for extreme emergencies as they can cause the loss of limbs. Shirts or handkerchiefs are useful as emergency plasters in attempting to allow the blood clot around the wound. If the victim is suffering severe blood loss from several wounds, raise their extremities (hands & limbs) above the heart level to try and keep blood in their vital organs.
d.Try and not to move the victim if you suspect any neck or spinal injuries. Only move them as a last resort and if absolutely necessary. Advise them to keep completely still if this is the case.
 e. If the victim is after suffering a heart attack and is now coping ok, place them in the recovery position (demonstrated opposite). This is also useful for those suffering from heat stroke or even excessive alcohol consumption. It lessens the chance of the victim choking on their own tongue or vomit.
f. Broken bones should be supported if you have to move the victim. Simple slings or splints can achieve this.
g. Keep the victim warm. Blood loss, shock and trauma can all affect a victim's body temperature. Place a coat, jacket or blanket over them to keep them warm.
When the emergency services do arrive, give them a brief synopsis of what has happened and what you have done. Alert them to any wounds on the victim and any suspected head, spinal or internal injuries. Hopefully, we will never have to apply first aid to someone but as always, the best scenario in such a situation is to be prepared.
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