JULY 9, 2024
Accident on the bike path
Intervention to a child with minor injuries sustained during a bike ride.
History
Bicycle fall
One fine spring morning, 12-year-old Elodie decides to go for a bike ride on the bike path near her home. She particularly likes this path, which winds through a pretty park. While riding at a moderate speed, her wheel suddenly hits a rock. Her bike veers off course, causing her to fall. Lying on the ground, Elodie, a little stunned, takes a few deep breaths to calm herself. Before she can get up, a passer-by approaches her. In a reassuring tone, he tells her that his name is Thomas, that he's there to help her and that he's trained in first aid.
Thomas begins by asking Elodie if she feels any particular pain. She mentions that her knees and elbows hurt, but that she can move her limbs without too much difficulty. Thomas quickly inspects her wounds and finds that they are mainly just scratches. He takes his first-aid kit from his backpack to treat them. Using antiseptic wipes, he gently cleans the scratches, then applies bandages to the affected areas.
Thanks to Thomas' professional and caring help, Elodie feels increasingly reassured. She thanks him and mentions that before he arrived, she was trying to calm down, but still felt a little panicky. Thomas replies that she did the right thing by staying calm, and that it's also very important to always check for serious injuries before moving.
After completing first aid, Thomas helps Elodie gently to her feet. As Elodie's bike is still in good condition and she feels able to continue on her own, Thomas can get back on his way. Before leaving her, he advises her to take her time and rest a little before setting off again. She thanks him warmly and, after a few minutes' rest, goes on her way.
Back home, she tells her parents about her adventure. They tell Elodie how proud they are of her ability to keep calm, and how relieved they are that Thomas has come to her aid. She has learned a valuable lesson: knowing how to react in such a situation and having a first-aid kit can make all the difference to her ability to continue enjoying her activities in complete safety.
In summary
After this unexpected fall, Elodie was able to count on the invaluable help of first-aider Thomas, who was able to reassure her and give her first aid. Thanks to his intervention, she was able to regain her confidence and return home safely. This incident reminds us of the importance of knowing and following a well-defined first aid course to intervene effectively in the event of an accident. Let's now take a look at the specific protocol Thomas put into practice to manage this situation in the best possible way.
Intervention protocol
Superficial wounds
In this section, we'll review the key steps in an effective response protocol for minor wounds. By understanding these steps and putting them into practice, we can be better prepared to react quickly and correctly in the event of a similar incident. So let's learn together the essential steps to take to provide optimum assistance in such situations.
1) ASSESS THE SITUATION
Ask if there is any pain and if they can move their limbs.
Examine visible injuries (cuts, scratches, etc.).
2) TREAT THE WOUNDS
Use antiseptic wipes to clean, or rinse with clean water if antiseptic is not available.
Cover wounds with sterile dressings.
3) HELP THE VICTIM TO GET BACK ON THEIR FEET
Help the victim to get up gently if there are no serious injuries.
Encourage them to rest before setting off again.
4) MONITOR THE VICTIM
If required, stay with them until they feel ready to leave.
Make sure they are able to get back on their own.
Intervention protocol
Head injuries
Although Elodie's fall resulted in minor scrapes, it's essential to remember that similar accidents can lead to much more serious injuries, such as skull impacts. These types of injuries require extra vigilance and specific measures to ensure the victim's safety. To better understand the precautions to be taken in such situations, we will now review the key points concerning skull impacts and victim immobilization. These reminders are essential if we are to know how to react appropriately and safely in the event of more serious injuries.
Cranial impacts
Cranial impacts can be quite severe, even if the symptoms do not immediately become apparent. It is therefore essential to be vigilant in order to identify the presence of trauma and provide the necessary first aid as quickly as possible.
SYMPTOMS TO LOOK FOR
• Loss of consciousness (even brief)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Severe headaches
• Dizziness or confusion
• Blurred vision
• Clear liquid from ears or nose
ACTIONS TO TAKE
• Do not leave the victim alone.
• Do not allow the victim to resume activities immediately.
• Call for help if any of the listed symptoms appear.
Intervention protocol
1) IMMOBILIZE THE VICTIM
Except in cases of immediate danger, avoid moving the victim to prevent further injury.
2) SUPPORT THE HEAD
Keep the victim's head and neck aligned with the body.
Use hands to support head if no specialized equipment is available.
3) MONITOR THEIR CONDITION
Stay with the victim and reassure them until help arrives.
Keep an eye out for any development in their status.
4) INFORM THE EMERGENCY SERVICES
As soon as they arrive, provide them with all the information they need about the victim's condition and the measures taken to help them.
Conclusion
It's vital to know how to react in an emergency situation, even when it initially seems minor. Elodie's story reminds us of the importance of remaining calm and ready to intervene when someone is injured. By following first aid protocols and being aware of the signs of serious injuries such as head impacts, we can all play a crucial role in the safety and well-being of others. By keeping in mind the tips and reminders presented in this article, we are better equipped to deal with emergency situations and offer effective assistance to those in need.
Written by Alexandre Grenier, Founder of Académie Saint-Bernard
Illustrated and edited by Émilie Bedard, Communications Manager
