Here is why water is not given to accident victims as first aid 

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Lademi Aborisade

The instinct to provide immediate care to accident victims is natural. One common impulse is to offer water to victims who express thirst. However, this seemingly simple act can have serious consequences. 

Understanding whether or not water should be given to accident victims is important for ensuring their safety and well-being during this critical time. 

DUBAWA, in this article, explores key medical reasons why providing water to accident victims is generally discouraged.

1. Internal Injuries

Many accident victims may have sustained internal injuries that are not immediately visible. Drinking water in such cases can amplify these injuries by increasing pressure in the circulatory system. This can potentially lead to further bleeding or complications as the body’s internal balance is disrupted.

2. Shock and blood loss

Victims may be in shock due to significant blood loss. In such cases, their bodies compensate for lost fluids, and introducing water can dilute the remaining blood, impairing circulation and possibly causing the heart to fail under increased stress.

3. Choking Hazard

If a victim is unconscious or semi-conscious, there is a high risk of choking on water. This can lead to aspiration pneumonia or even death if the fluid enters the lungs. The compromised reflexes and physical state of an accident victim amplify these risks, making it crucial to avoid offering water until medical professionals fully assess them.

4. Surgical considerations 

Many accident victims may require emergency surgery. Medical protocols typically require patients to be “nil by mouth” before surgery to avoid complications during anaesthesia, such as regurgitation. 

5. Increased blood pressure 

Drinking water can raise blood pressure, which might cause wounds to reopen and lead to further blood loss. According to a study, for people with severe autonomic dysfunction (a condition where the system that controls automatic body functions like blood pressure doesn’t work properly), drinking water can cause a quick rise in blood pressure. High blood pressure is often linked to changes in how the body controls the heart and blood vessels.

6. Misleading thirst signals

When someone experiences severe thirst after an injury, it’s often because they are dehydrated because of losing blood, not because they simply need water. Giving them water might seem helpful in such cases, but it can create a false sense of security for caregivers. This could delay urgent medical treatment, as the real issue is blood loss and requires immediate attention, not just hydration. Recognising the cause of the thirst is crucial to ensuring the victim gets the right care quickly.

What to do instead

Instead of giving water to accident victims, the following specific first aid steps are essential to ensure their safety and well-being. 

The first step is immediately contacting emergency medical services (EMS) to report the accident and request assistance. It is important to provide them with accurate details about the situation and the number of victims involved.

Conclusion 

Accidents are stressful, and the instinct to provide immediate help is natural. However, knowing what not to do is as important as knowing how to help. Offering water immediately to accident victims can pose serious risks to their safety and recovery.