What do the paramedic do at an accident?

Many things! The first think to be done, prior to assessing or taking care of anyone. Is to make the scene safe for Emergency Responders to be there. The side of the road with cars speeding by is a quite dangerous place. Doing stuff like putting on special clothing called "Turn-out Gear" Helps protect us from getting cut by glass and other sharp stuff. Also we will block off the scene with our vehicle to protect us from getting hit by a car. After the scene is safe, we assess the injuries of those hurt in the crash, and try to "Extricate" the patient(s) from the vehicle if they are stuck in it. This may mean cutting the roof off, or prying the door open with special hydraulic tools. After they are removed from the vehicle they are usually full immobilized to prevent worsening any neck or spine injuries. We will then load the patient in the ambulance and head for the hospital while performing enroute any advanced or basic life support procedures that may need to be done. This may consist of starting an IV, Intubating (Placing a tube down the patient's throat to help them breath, and/or placing them on oxygen. We will also continue to farther assess the patient's injuries. Basically, as the Paramedic on the scene of motor vehicle collision you are the number one person in charge of taking care of, and transporting the victim(s) to the hospital.

-Paramedic, BS Emergency Medical Care