Every year, India records thousands of serious road accidents – and many lives are lost not because of the injury itself, but because of delayed or improper first response. When an accident happens, the first few minutes decide whether someone survives, recovers fully, or faces long-term complications. Knowing what to do immediately can make all the difference.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Panic is natural – but staying calm allows you to think clearly. Before rushing in, look for potential dangers like fuel leaks, oncoming traffic, or fire. If you're not injured, move yourself and others to a safe distance, and turn off the vehicle ignition if possible.

Never move a severely injured person unless there's an immediate danger (like fire). Improper handling can worsen spinal or head injuries.

2. Call for Medical Help Immediately

Dial 108 (the national emergency number in India) or local ambulance services.
Provide clear details:

  • Location and nearest landmark
  • Number of injured persons
  • Type of injuries (bleeding, unconscious, trapped, etc.)

If you're in or near Madurai, contact a 24×7 emergency hospital like Hannah Joseph Hospital directly for faster coordination – most trauma hospitals can dispatch an ambulance service in Madurai within minutes.

Give Basic First Aid (Only If You Know How)

While waiting for help:

  • Stop visible bleeding by applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth.
  • Keep the person still and calm.
  • If they are unconscious but breathing, place them on their side (recovery position).
  • Do not give water or food.
  • Do not attempt to reset broken bones or pull out objects stuck in the body.

Every small action (or inaction) can have a big impact on survival.

Choose the Right Hospital for Trauma Care

Not every hospital is equipped for serious accident injuries. In severe cases involving head, spine, or multiple fractures (polytrauma), it's critical to reach a specialised trauma care hospital in India with:

  • 24×7 emergency services
  • On-site imaging (CT, X-ray, MRI)
  • ICU and operation theatre readiness
  • Specialists in neurosurgery, orthopaedics, and critical care

Hospitals that provide integrated trauma response can immediately stabilise and begin treatment – without wasting time on referrals.

5. Importance of the "Golden Hour"

Doctors call the first 60 minutes after an accident the Golden Hour. Quick medical intervention during this time drastically increases survival chances. That's why accident emergency hospitals train their teams to respond immediately, not after paperwork or formalities.

Trauma & Emergency Care at Hannah Joseph Hospital, Madurai

At Hannah Joseph Hospital, our Emergency and Trauma Department operates 24×7 with a single mission – to save lives during critical moments.
We're recognised among the best trauma care hospitals in Madurai because of our:

  • Rapid ambulance response system across Madurai.
  • Round-the-clock emergency doctors and trauma surgeons.
  • Dedicated neurosurgery, orthopaedics, and critical care units for complex injuries.
  • Advanced imaging and surgical suites to handle polytrauma cases immediately.

Whether it's a road accident, fall, or severe head injury, our team works in sync to stabilise, treat, and begin recovery within minutes. Contact our 24×7 emergency care in Madurai – where every second counts.

Final Thoughts

Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere — but what you do in those first few minutes can decide everything. Remember: call for help immediately, keep the injured stable, and take them only to a specialised trauma hospital with full emergency support.