A Nurse's Experience: Responding to a Motor Vehicle Accident in Public

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where someone needed medical assistance while you were in a public place? I certainly have. It was late one night, around 1 AM, and my husband and I were making our way home from work when we witnessed a devastating motor vehicle accident.

Witnessing the Accident

We were driving a jeep that looked identical to the one involved in the accident. The car went through a stop sign at a slow speed, and while the other vehicle swerved to avoid it, unfortunately, it collided with the passenger side of the jeep. The four passengers in the jeep jumped out, seemingly unharmed, but the driver of the other car was not so lucky.

His car was slightly damaged but not critically. My husband and I approached the scene, braving the slow-motion scenario before us. Upon arrival, the driver was upright but slumped, his face completely blue. My husband managed to pull him to an upright position, and he began breathing again, although he remained unconscious.

The Delay in Medical Aid

At this point, cell phones were not widely popular, and the emergency response system was less advanced. To alert help, we asked nearby residents to call 911. However, many doors remained closed despite our efforts. We then had to yell "Police! Ambulance!" to garner attention.

As the paramedics rushed to assist the driver, he stopped breathing again and had to be intubated. Looking back, I realize the importance of immediate medical response, especially seated assignment and proper intervention during such emergencies.

Follow-up and Long-term Impact

The next year, a private detective from the driver's insurance company called. He needed confirmation that the driver had not stopped at the stop sign. The accident proved to be more complex than initially thought. The driver, a 18-year-old, was alive but in a medically induced coma due to a ruptured diaphragm, caused by the accident.

The detective asked if he could give my name to the driver's parents but I declined. I wanted to protect his family and myself from any future complications. Fast forward a few months, and the driver, now awake and mobile with assistance, moved into the unit where I worked. His roommates also required interventions, adding to the challenges.

Lessons Learned and Future Precautions

Ultimately, the driver was discharged with support from his family. If he had been wearing a seatbelt, he could have walked away from the accident. I learned the importance of safety measures and the potential impact of an emergency on a person and their family.

That night, we purchased a cell phone, and now, we ensure that everyone in the car is safely seated in a seatbelt before leaving.

While I did not have to testify in court, I remain grateful for the opportunity to help when needed. Maintaining a proactive approach to public safety is crucial to prevent similar incidents in the future.