23/01/2026
Why You Should NOT Give Water to an Accident Victim
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) reminds the public that giving water or food to a road accident victim is strongly discouraged and may place the victim’s life at greater risk.
Many accident-related deaths occur not only because of the impact itself, but also due to improper first aid and handling by bystanders. Knowing what to do—and what NOT to do—can save lives.
⚠️ WHY YOU SHOULD NOT GIVE WATER
1️⃣ Risk of Aspiration
Accident victims may be:
unconscious
disoriented
in shock
Giving water may cause it to enter the lungs instead of the stomach, leading to:
choking
aspiration pneumonia
respiratory failure
This can be fatal.
2️⃣ Possible Internal Injuries
Victims may have:
internal bleeding
head injury
abdominal or chest trauma
Water or food can worsen these conditions and delay life-saving medical procedures.
3️⃣ Emergency Surgery Risk
Many trauma patients require urgent surgery.
Medical protocol requires patients to be NPO (Nothing by Mouth) before anesthesia.
If water or food is given:
it increases the risk of vomiting during anesthesia
stomach contents may enter the lungs
it can cause severe respiratory complications or death
4️⃣ Unconscious Patients Are at High Risk
An unconscious person:
cannot swallow properly
cannot protect their airway
may choke on water or vomit
This is one of the leading causes of preventable death after accidents.
✅ WHAT YOU SHOULD DO INSTEAD
✔ Call MDRRM or any emergency services immediately
✔ Ensure the scene is safe
✔ Keep the victim still and lying down
✔ Support the head and neck
✔ Control bleeding using clean cloth or pressure
✔ Keep the victim warm and calm
✔ Wait for trained responders
❌ DO NOT:
🚫 Give water, food, or drinks
🚫 Force the victim to sit or stand
🚫 Remove a helmet (unless trained)
🚫 Move the victim unnecessarily
📌 REMEMBER:
Sometimes, doing less is doing more.
“In an accident, do not give anything by mouth. Call for help immediately.”
