Road Traffic Collisions Flashcards
What is your first action when arriving at the scene of a RTC?
Your first action on arriving at the scene of an incident is to update Met CC with your status. As the first responder, you need to put immediate safety measures in place. You’ll be expected to take control of the incident and manage the scene.
Start by considering the dynamic risk assessment principles of:
Location.
Vehicles.
People.
Localised factors.
ACE CARD
The mnemonic ‘ACE CARD’ is a sequential reminder of the steps to consider when dealing with road incidents. Although you should consider every step, it may be the case that not all of them need to be implemented.
Approach.
Caution signs.
Examine the scene.
Casualties.
Ambulance, fire rescue and other partnership agencies.
Remove obstructions.
Detailed investigation.
Approach
Approach
Incidents on motorways or dual carriageways should always be approached from the rear, unless a motorway has been converted into a ‘smart’ motorway (where the hard shoulder has been made into a running lane). Roads and Transport Policing Command (RTPC) will attend road traffic incidents on fast roads such as motorways and dual carriageways.
When possible, it’s good practice to approach all road incidents from the rear. A driver may panic (especially if they’ve been drinking or are wanted by the police) and try to flee the scene. If you approach from the front, you may become another casualty. Always deal with motorists from the safest side of the vehicle. Don’t put yourself between the driver and other vehicles driving past.
Where should the 1st, 2nd and 3rd sign be for 50-70 mph roads?
1st - 300m
2nd - 600m
3rd - 900m
Where should the signage be for 40-50 mph roads?
1st - 200m
2nd - 400m
Where should the signage be for 30 mph roads or less?
1st 50 meters
METHANE
If you are the first officer on the scene, you’ll be expected to determine whether any further assistance is required
The mnemonic ‘METHANE’ is used to help you examine the scene:
Major incident declared – an event or situation with a range of serious consequences which requires special arrangements to be implemented by one or more emergency responder agencies.
Exact location.
Type of incident.
Hazards present or suspected.
Access (routes that are safe to use).
Number, type and severity of casualties.
Emergency services present and those required.
Casualties
Check to ensure that all the casualties have been located. Their details should be obtained before they are removed or leave the scene. In the case of a minor collision where a casualty with a minor injury just decides to go home, try to obtain their details before they leave.
If someone has left before you reached the scene, they may still report their involvement at a later date.
Remove obstructions
No vehicle should be removed until the investigating officer is satisfied (this may be you in the case of a minor RTC).
Ambulance, fire rescue and other partnership agencies
Ensure cooperation between all of the emergency services so that safety information is shared between them.
In a multi-agency major incident response where police are involved, we retain responsibility for scene management.
What are possible actions you can take at a RTC
Preserve the scene.
Stop traffic.
Casualties.
Crowd management / speak to witnesses.
Move vehicles / make vehicles safe.
Three different members of the public have told you that they’ve already called for an ambulance. What should you do?
There’s no guarantee that a member of the public has actually called an ambulance. You should always still request an ambulance.
RTPC
The Roads and Transport Policing Command, formerly the Safer Transport Command and Transport Operational Command Unit, is a unit of the London Metropolitan Police Service that polices roads, buses, bus routes, taxis and minicabs. They usually attend the most serious incidences.
What is the definition on a motor vehicle according to s170 RTA?
A motor vehicle (MV) is a mechanically propelled vehicle which is intended, or has been adapted, for use on the road.
What is a conveyance?
Any conveyance constructed or adapted for the carriage of a person or persons whether by land, water or air, except that it does not include a conveyance constructed or adapted for use only under the control of a person not carried in or on it, and ‘drive’ shall be construed accordingly.
