First Aid and Emergency Response
The first minutes matter most
At a crash scene, your priorities are, in order: protect the scene, alert the emergency services, then give first aid within your competence. Switch on hazard lights, place a warning triangle, and wear a reflective vest when leaving the vehicle. Call the emergency number and give a clear location, the number of casualties, and the nature of injuries. Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire or a risk of further collision.
The ABC approach
Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Check whether the casualty is conscious and breathing. If not breathing normally, begin chest compressions: about 100-120 per minute, pressing roughly 5-6 cm deep in the centre of the chest. Continue until help arrives or the casualty recovers. If the person is breathing but unconscious, place them in the recovery position to keep the airway open.
Bleeding, burns and shock
Control severe bleeding with direct pressure using a clean cloth. Do not remove an object embedded in a wound; press around it. Cool burns with clean, cool water and do not burst blisters. Signs of shock include pale, clammy skin, rapid pulse and confusion; keep the casualty warm and still.
Helmet and spinal caution
For motorcyclists, do not remove the helmet unless the airway is obstructed and you cannot manage otherwise. Suspect spinal injury after any high-energy impact and keep the head and neck still.
Worked example
You find an unconscious but breathing casualty at the roadside. The correct sequence is: secure the scene, call for help, then place the casualty in the recovery position and monitor breathing until the ambulance arrives.
Traps to watch
Questions often offer 'give the casualty water' or 'move them into the car' as answers; both are wrong for an unconscious or seriously injured person.