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I = Interviewer
C = Dr Clarke
I Dr Clarke, when an accident happens the people present are much more likely to be people of the general public and not members of the medical profession. Now, how good are we? I mean would you say that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing? If we’re not sure what to do, is it actually best not to do anything at all?
C Well, they’re obviously interesting and important questions. Yes, first aid is terribly important and you can save lives if the right action is taken. I’d say that uhm ninety percent of first aid is common sense, and only ten percent is specialist knowledge. If someone isn’t breathing, you must give them artificial respiration, and I think most people know how to do that. If the person is bleeding, the bleeding must be stopped. I think these things are obvious. Medical help must of course be sought and someone must decide whether the victim can be taken to hospital, or whether, given the nature of their particular accident, the victim should be left alone.
I Yes, can we talk about road accidents more specifically in a moment?
C Yes.
I Is there one particular kind of accident where generally we get it wrong, we follow our common sense but it lets us down, and we do the wrong thing?
C Yes, I think there are two things associated with that. On the subject of burns, for example, some people put cream or grease or butter on, and this in fact makes the burn hotter; and the other thing…
I I’m sorry to interrupt. What should we do about burns, then?
C Well, you need to decide first of all how bad it is. If it is a minor burn, the best thing to do is to put the burnt area under the cold tap, or slowly pour on iced water.
I I see.
C This should be done for about ten minutes, and it stops the heat from spreading. However, if it is a bad burn, what we call a third-degree burn, don’t touch it, you really should get for this kind of burn expert help immediately. Cover the burn very lightly with something clean like a sheet or a, or a handkerchief and then go straight to a hospital. The other thing people do is to give drinks, especially alcoholic drinks, which means that if the patient needs an operation, we can’t give an anaesthetic.
I So, it’s better not to give any drinks at all.
C Certainly not alcoholic drinks. If the patient complains of thirst, he should wash his mouth with water and not swallow.
I This is very useful. Now back to road accidents. Could you give us some general advice on what to do at the scene of a car accident?
C Yes, three things. First of all you should check that the victims are breathing. I mean if they’re not, give artificial respiration. The most common injuries in car accidents in fact are fractures and bleeding, so the second thing to do is stop the bleeding. Thirdly, er … very important don’t move the victim unless it’s absolutely necessary. I mean, if any bones are broken, the injury could be made much worse by moving the victim. You should keep them warm, loosen any tight clothing, and try to reassure them. They’ll probably be suffering from shock, so just stay with them until expert help arrives. It’s a very good thing to do.
I Right, I see. Now, of course, there are a lot of accidents we haven’t had time to talk about. But do you think it’s worth while for the general public to find out about them, and find out how they can help.
C Sure, sure, yes, yes. I do indeed. I mean, I would advise people to find out as much as they possibly can. I mean, many of us freeze and panic when faced with a crisis. So, you know, why not learn about basic first aid?
I Dr Clarke, thank you very much.
(from Headway Intermediate, by J. and L.Soars. Unit 8)
UNIT 5
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