First Aid and Emergency Response
At a crash scene, the priority order is: protect yourself and others, then call for help, then give first aid within your training. Stop safely, switch on hazard lights, and place a warning triangle behind the vehicle on the road. Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire, because movement can worsen spinal injuries. Call emergency services and give a clear location, number of casualties, and the nature of injuries.
Check responsiveness and breathing. If the person is not breathing normally, begin CPR if trained: chest compressions at a steady rate in the centre of the chest, with rescue breaths if you are trained and willing. Control bleeding by pressing firmly on the wound with a clean cloth. Do not remove a helmet from a motorcyclist unless breathing is obstructed. For burns, cool with clean water and do not apply oil or toothpaste. Keep the injured person warm and calm until help arrives.
Question traps: choosing to move a casualty immediately, or giving food and drink to an injured person. Another trap is removing an embedded object from a wound - leave it in place and pad around it. Never assume a conscious casualty is uninjured; shock can develop quietly.
Worked example: A motorcyclist is unconscious but breathing after a crash. The correct action is to leave the helmet on, keep the airway clear, and wait for trained help unless breathing is obstructed.