First Aid and Accident Procedures in Kenya
Being first at an accident scene is stressful, but a clear sequence keeps you and the injured safe: protect the scene, alert the emergency services, then help the injured. Doing these in the wrong order, such as rushing to a casualty on a live carriageway, can create a second accident.
Protect first. Turn on your hazard lights and place a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind the scene, or 150 metres on a fast highway like the A109, so approaching traffic has time to slow. If you have no triangle, use any visible object such as a branch or bright clothing. Then alert: call 999 or 112 (112 works even without airtime or a SIM), or St John Ambulance on 1199, and state your location, the number of people injured, and the type of accident.
Only move an injured person if there is immediate danger such as fire, because moving someone with a spinal injury can cause paralysis. Do not remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless they cannot breathe. Control heavy bleeding with firm, direct pressure using a clean cloth, and do not give an injured person food or water, since they may need surgery.
Key Rules
- 1Protect the scene first: hazard lights on, triangle 45 m behind (150 m on a highway)
- 2Call 999 or 112 (112 works without airtime); St John Ambulance is 1199
- 3Only move an injured person if there is immediate danger such as fire
- 4Do not remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless they cannot breathe
- 5Control heavy bleeding with firm direct pressure; do not give food or water
Practice first aid and accident questions
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Based on the Kenya Highway Code. Always follow road signs and your instructor.