When Calgary Crashes, We Pull Together: Why Bystanders Matter More Than You Think

It’s been a heavy few weeks here in Calgary.

From a vehicle flying off a bridge onto Deerfoot Trail to a recent spike in motorcycle accidents and multi-vehicle collisions, these stories are more than just headlines — they’re happening right where we live, on the roads we drive every day.

And whether we witness something firsthand or scroll past it on the news, many of us find ourselves asking: “What would I do in an emergency like that?”

That question matters — especially in real-world emergencies before first responders arrive.

Because when a serious car crash happens in Calgary or a motorcycle accident unfolds just ahead of you, there’s often a small window where bystanders can make a life-saving difference. Not as professionals — just as regular people who’ve learned a few essential skills.

The truth is: you don’t need a medical degree to save a life.

• You don’t need to be an EMT.

• You don’t need a trauma kit.

• You just need to know what to do — and have the courage to do it.

This is the difference between witnessing an accident… and responding to one.

5 Life-Saving Things You Can Do After a Calgary Car Accident

1. Protect yourself first. Pull over safely. Turn on your hazard lights. Stay a safe distance from wreckage or traffic. You can’t help anyone if you get hurt too.

2. Call 911 immediately. Be clear and detailed: exact location (use a landmark or street sign), number of vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and whether people are conscious or trapped.

3. Check for breathing. If someone isn’t breathing and is not responsive, start CPR immediately. Even without formal CPR certification, chest compressions (guided by 911) can keep blood flowing until paramedics arrive.

4. Stop major bleeding. Use cloth, gauze, or clothing to apply firm, direct pressure to bleeding wounds. Calgary EMS response times are good — but in the first few minutes, bleeding control is everything.

5. Don’t move the injured — unless there’s immediate danger. Spinal injuries are a risk. Talk to the person if they’re conscious. Keep them still, warm, and reassured. Your calm voice can do more than you think.

Emergency Preparedness Isn’t Just for Professionals

In Calgary, roadside emergencies happen more often than we like to admit. But preparation doesn’t have to mean carrying a defibrillator in your trunk — it means knowing what to do until help arrives.

Whether you’re on Deerfoot Trail, a backroad near Okotoks, or heading into the mountains, basic first aid knowledge can be the difference between panic and action.

What’s Your “What If” Plan?

Next time you hear sirens or pass a collision on Stoney Trail, ask yourself:

• Would I know what to do if I came upon a car crash?

• Could I help if someone stopped breathing or was bleeding heavily?

• Would I freeze — or step in?

It’s not about being a hero. It’s about being ready — because sometimes, you are the help.