First Aid and Emergency Response
The first minutes
At a motorcycle crash scene, your priorities are: protect the scene, assess, alert, and then aid. Protect by warning other traffic - hazard lights, warning triangle where safe, and positioning. Assess the casualty's responsiveness and breathing. Call emergency services (112 in Bulgaria) and give a clear location, number of casualties, and hazards.
Life-saving basics
If the casualty is not breathing normally, start CPR: chest compressions at 100–120 per minute, depth about 5–6 cm, with rescue breaths if trained. If there is severe bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean dressing. Do not remove a motorcycle helmet unless the airway is obstructed or you must resuscitate - removal can worsen spinal injury. Keep the casualty warm and still; suspect spinal injury after any high-energy impact.
Shock and positioning
Signs of shock include pale clammy skin, rapid weak pulse, and confusion. Lay the casualty flat and keep them warm; do not give food or drink. If unconscious but breathing, place in the recovery position unless spinal injury is suspected.
Traps in first-aid questions
The exam often tests helmet removal: the default is to leave it on. Another trap is moving an injured rider 'to safety' - only move if there is immediate danger such as fire. A third is the emergency number: 112 is the European emergency number used in Bulgaria.
Worked rule of thumb
'Protect, Alert, Aid' - in that order. Never become a second casualty by standing in traffic.