AMBULANCE MATTERS April09
Slippery Season
Recent rains have seen an increase in road accidents with some being due to the roads being more slippery than usual. During prolonged dry periods oil and grease tend to build up on the road surface and when wet becomes a hazard.
In heavy rain it is impossible to see these areas and the rain itself sometimes causes damage to road surfaces. What may have been a good surface yesterday may now be treacherous.
Of particular concern is the Mount Mee Road portion between Glengariff Winery and the Terrors Creek/George Juffs Bridge. In recent weeks the Emergency Services has been required at several accidents along this section and it has been notorious in wet conditions in the past.
If you come across an accident or are involved in one and there appears to be a need for an Ambulance, please call via 000. Try to give the operator as much detail as you can both of the location and the extent of the accident. If you are driving past and cannot stop, glance at your odometer so you can advise the operator of the distance from the incident to the next road junction. It is helpful to say for example 1.5 kilometres passed Bond Road heading towards Ocean View or half a kilometre from Postmans Track going towards Samford.
Do not put yourself or anyone else in danger trying to help and unless there is immediate danger do not move any casualties. If you can, warn other traffic of the danger ahead as this can save other vehicles being involved. If you have First Aid Training you will know what you can do to help. If there is an incident where a vehicle has left the road try to get someone to stay safely beside the road to guide the Ambulance or First Responders when they arrive.
If you want to learn how to deal with casualties in these situations consider taking a First Aid Course. The Queensland Ambulance Service runs regular First Aid Courses for all levels at a variety of locations. To get more information on First Aid Courses call 1300 369 003 or peruse the Website at www.ambulance.qld.gov.au and go to the First Aid link.
Of particular concern is the Mount Mee Road portion between Glengariff Winery and the Terrors Creek/George Juffs Bridge. In recent weeks the Emergency Services has been required at several accidents along this section and it has been notorious in wet conditions in the past.
If you come across an accident or are involved in one and there appears to be a need for an Ambulance, please call via 000. Try to give the operator as much detail as you can both of the location and the extent of the accident. If you are driving past and cannot stop, glance at your odometer so you can advise the operator of the distance from the incident to the next road junction. It is helpful to say for example 1.5 kilometres passed Bond Road heading towards Ocean View or half a kilometre from Postmans Track going towards Samford.
Do not put yourself or anyone else in danger trying to help and unless there is immediate danger do not move any casualties. If you can, warn other traffic of the danger ahead as this can save other vehicles being involved. If you have First Aid Training you will know what you can do to help. If there is an incident where a vehicle has left the road try to get someone to stay safely beside the road to guide the Ambulance or First Responders when they arrive.
If you want to learn how to deal with casualties in these situations consider taking a First Aid Course. The Queensland Ambulance Service runs regular First Aid Courses for all levels at a variety of locations. To get more information on First Aid Courses call 1300 369 003 or peruse the Website at www.ambulance.qld.gov.au and go to the First Aid link.
