First Aid and Emergency Response
Securing the scene first
At an accident, your first duty is to prevent a second collision. Switch on hazard lights, place a warning triangle at an appropriate distance (further on fast roads and in poor visibility), and get bystanders to safety behind the barrier. Then call emergency services, giving location, number of casualties and hazards. Only then approach the injured.
The primary survey
Check responsiveness, then airway, breathing and circulation. If the casualty is unresponsive and not breathing normally, start chest compressions: centre of the chest, firm and fast, roughly 100–120 per minute, about 5–6 cm deep, allowing full recoil. Continue until help arrives or the casualty recovers. If breathing but unresponsive, place in the recovery position.
Bleeding, shock and fractures
The trap in exams is the instinct to remove a helmet or straighten a limb. Do not remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless the airway is at risk. Control severe bleeding with direct pressure; use a tourniquet only for life-threatening limb bleeding when pressure fails. Treat for shock by keeping the casualty warm and lying down, and immobilise suspected fractures as found.
Specific hazards
Do not give food or drink to an injured person. In a vehicle fire, get everyone out and away. If a casualty is trapped, do not move them unless there is immediate danger such as fire.
Worked example
A motorcyclist is unconscious but breathing. Leave the helmet on, support the head, monitor breathing and place the casualty in the recovery position only if the helmet does not prevent it; call for help and keep them warm.
Rule of thumb
Scene safety, then call for help, then airway and breathing - in that order, every time.