ADAC: Rescue in the First Second

In serious traffic accidents, every second counts because quick help can save lives. In the evening hours or on remote federal highways, it can sometimes take some time before other road users arrive at the accident scene and can alert emergency services. If those involved in the accident are no longer able to make the emergency call themselves, the built-in eCall function (emergency call) in the car can save lives.

New Technology Aims to Save Lives

eCall is an electronic emergency call system that is installed in newer cars. In the event of a serious car accident where the airbags deploy, the system automatically sends an emergency call to the Europe-wide emergency number 112. The emergency call center can then make contact with the car occupants via a telephone connection. In case they are unresponsive, the system simultaneously transmits the location data, including the driving direction, to the rescue service's control center. Additionally, vehicle data and information about the accident time and type are transmitted.

In case of a medical emergency, such as a heart attack, drivers can also manually operate the eCall system. By pressing a button, contact can be made with the emergency call center and help can be requested. The eCall unit functions independently from the rest of the vehicle—even if the car battery, speakers, or microphones are broken.

Equipping vehicles with the eCall function has been mandatory for car manufacturers in the European Union for all newly approved vehicle models since April 2018.

Informing Emergency Services

For first responders, it is not immediately apparent if a vehicle involved in an accident is equipped with an eCall system or not. Despite a possible overlap, after securing the accident site by turning on the hazard lights and setting up the warning triangle, they should definitely contact the emergency services (112) using their own mobile phone or an emergency call station next to the highway.

If the emergency services have already been informed by the vehicle, this information can be supplemented by insights from the first responders on site.

First Aid at the Accident Scene

"Being a first responder at an accident scene is a challenge for many people. It is therefore all the more important to regularly refresh first aid knowledge so that you can react quickly in an emergency situation," says Oliver Reidegeld, press spokesman for ADAC Hessen-Thuringia. "The important thing is to take action at all. The faster accident victims are taken care of, the better!"

For the smooth care of accident victims, emergency services rely on the support of first responders. If the individuals involved in the accident are approachable and safely reachable, they should be moved out of the danger zone as quickly as possible.

If injured persons can no longer exit the vehicle independently or stand up, first responders can use the rescue grip (also known as the Rautek rescue grip) to pull them out of the car and to the roadside. Minor injuries can be treated on-site using the first aid kit in the car.

If the accident victim is unconscious but breathing normally, the person should be placed in the recovery position. In the case of unconsciousness and absence of or abnormal breathing, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) must be started immediately. Alternating between chest compressions and rescue breaths is intended to maintain a minimal circulation.

Important

There is no right or wrong when it comes to first aid. The only wrong thing a first responder can do is to do nothing.