Reporting an Accident and Knowing What to Do!

September 25, 2015

One 15 year old boy in Auburn Township, Ohio definitely knew what to do when he was caught in what some may call “perfect timing”

911 calls have been released reporting that this very boy jumped into LaDue Reservoir to rescue a man who drove his car into the water.

The Geauga County Sheriff’s Office said the driver of the car, Richard Caldwell, 30, experienced a medical issue before his Ford Focus careened into the water around 12:30 p.m. Sunday.

Samuel Sell, 15, was fishing at the reservoir with his cousin when they witnessed the car splashing into the water and stepped in to help…

Sell’s cousin proceeded to call 911 while Sell’s himself was trying to assess the situation y which he concluded that he could not get a response from the driver…

So Sell did what any good fisherman would do and swam the 100 feet toward the car and was ready to use a fishing knife to break the windows to free Caldwell (the driver).

The 911 caller reported that Caldwell began beeping his horn but did not appear to be trying to open the door to escape.

Investigators said Caldwell couldn’t even remember how or why he drove toward LaDue.

Sell stated that he hesitated at first, unsure what to do but then decided that the only thing to do was to go rescue the man he saw drowning in the water, car and all.

“If this happened to me, I would want somebody to react to help me,’” Sell said.

Rescuers responded, pulling Sell and Caldwell from the water. They credited Sell’s quick action with helping to save Caldwell’s life.

“It`s very rare we have somebody in the right place, at the right time. Usually, people don’t want to get involved nowadays, and we’re very proud he got involved and helped,” officials stated.

What if you are at “the right place at the right time”?

Here are some tips to reporting an accident on the road as safely and as effectively as possible:

SLOW DOWN and turn on your hazards

No matter the accident, slowing down will ensure that you will not be a part of the crash. If the accident appears more critical, make sure your hazards are on for other oncoming traffic.

It may not be necessary to pull over if the crash is more of a fender bender involving two cars. It’s best not to clog up the road and keep moving.

Emergency Vehicle Space

Part of pulling over is to leave ample space for any emergency vehicles that are making their way to the crash (especially if it’s been a bad one).

Check on Drivers

IF safe for you, immediately check on the condition of those involved in the crash. This will better help you assess whether the drivers are in need of immediate attention

Call for Help

If the crash is critical, it is imperative that you call 911 immediately. Be short but CLEAR in your description of the location of the crash, people involved and potential injuries.

You are the first point of contact and making sure you are on point with a precise description will make the process smoother upon the arrival of the emergency crew.

Do NOT move the injured parties

This is crucial to follow especially if you are not qualified to tend to the injured person. Moving an injured person can worsen the injury or make it fatal.

Unless the injured person is in danger where they are, moving them should be left to the emergency crew. If you must move then, proceed with caution and recruit the help of another if possible.

If you are a qualified health professional (i.e. a doctor, nurse or paramedic) helping the injured party can alleviate or save the life of someone before the emergency professionals arrive. In this case, it is necessary to get involved.

Help Keep Traffic Moving

There are enough spectators as it is, and nothing is more tedious(and dangerous) than when people slow down to check out an accident on the highway or on the road. Be Officer Barbrady and tell them to move along, there’s nothing to see here.

Please note that if you are uncomfortable with this step, then remain away from traffic and continue to be a supporter of the injured.

At this point if the parties involved are amenable to speak, help them exchange insurance information or take photos of the crash and their injuries.

What Did You See? Take Pictures

You are a key witness to this accident especially if you saw the car crash happen from beginning to end.

Take note of all that you saw with accuracy as you will be relaying this information to the police along with the injured people involved (if they are able and present to speak).

If they are taken away by the emergency crew, then is is imperative that you dictate to the police a clear, objective account of the crash.

Remember that if the parties involved are in critical condition, they are likely not able to take pictures of their cars or of the crash site.

Whip out that smartphone and start documenting everything. Both parties will be happy you did.

BREATHE

There is no doubt that this was stressful for you as well.

But as a good samaritan, we know it’s the right thing to do. If the steps above are followed, you will have likely made a terrible event a little smoother for those traumatized and injured.

*Thank you to Fox 8 Cleveland for sharing the original story with us!