If you witness a road crash, keep yourself clear of moving traffic and call 995 from safety if someone is seriously hurt, trapped, unresponsive or struggling to breathe. Give the exact road, direction and nearest junction. Call 999 if immediate police assistance is needed for a danger at the scene. SCDF emergency medical services SPF emergency contact information LTA guidance on expressway and tunnel emergencies
Tell the dispatcher what you can see before approaching. A person may have a head, neck or back injury. Avoid moving them unless there is an immediate danger or a dispatcher directs you to move them for lifesaving care. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions if you can reach the person safely. American Red Cross first aid guidance on emergency moves SCDF emergency medical services
- Stay clear of moving traffic and call for trained help.
- Give the location, number of people hurt and hazards such as fire or blocked lanes.
- Follow the dispatcher and keep access clear for emergency crews.
On this page
- Stay where you can help without entering danger
- What to say on 995
- Help only from a safe position
- Frequently asked questions
Stay where you can help without entering danger
If you are driving, have a passenger call or pull over at a safe, lawful location before using your phone. If you are walking, stay on the pavement or behind a barrier. Tell responders about traffic, smoke, fuel or a damaged vehicle if those hazards are visible. Leave lane control to responders. LTA guidance on expressway and tunnel emergencies SCDF emergency medical services
If you are a student on a school journey, tell the teacher or supervising adult and stay with your group. If nobody has called and someone needs emergency assistance, call from a safe place and give the location first. SCDF emergency medical services
What to say on 995
Name the road, nearest junction or building and direction of travel. Say whether anyone is trapped and whether they respond or breathe normally if you can tell safely. Mention how many people may be hurt. If you are uncertain, tell the dispatcher what is confirmed and what you cannot see. SCDF emergency medical services
An example from a bus stop
“There has been a collision near [bus stop] on [road] towards [direction]. A rider is on the ground. I’m calling from the pavement. I can’t tell if they are breathing.” Answer the dispatcher’s questions and follow instructions.
Help only from a safe position
Once the scene is safe enough to approach, check what the dispatcher asks you to check. Tell them if the person becomes unresponsive or stops breathing normally. If asked, have someone bring an AED or direct responders to the right access point. Avoid moving the injured person unless immediate safety or essential care requires it. SCDF emergency medical services American Red Cross first aid guidance on emergency moves
After responders have the scene, give them what you directly observed. If you have relevant dashcam footage, preserve the original and follow Traffic Police instructions for submitting it. Keep the time, place and direction with the file. SPF traffic accident reporting criteria and process
Frequently asked questions
Should I take a photo first?
Make the emergency call first and stay safe. Your observations and precise location matter immediately. SCDF emergency medical services
What if someone else is calling?
Ask what help is needed from safety. You can identify the exact location, meet responders or keep others away from the hazard without entering traffic. SCDF emergency medical services
Sources
- LTA guidance on expressway and tunnel emergencies
- SCDF emergency medical services
- SPF emergency contact information
- American Red Cross first aid guidance on emergency moves
- SPF traffic accident reporting criteria and process