First Aid and Emergency Behaviour
At a crash scene the priorities are safety, alerting and care. Stop, switch on hazard lights, place a warning triangle at a safe distance, and wear a high-visibility vest when leaving the vehicle. Call emergency services with the location, number of casualties and hazards. Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire, because spinal injury may worsen.
Assess responsiveness and breathing. If the casualty is unresponsive and not breathing normally, start chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute, pressing about five to six centimetres deep in the centre of the chest, and continue until help arrives or the casualty recovers. Use an automated external defibrillator if available; it gives spoken instructions. For severe bleeding, apply direct pressure. For burns, cool with water and do not remove stuck clothing. Keep casualties warm and monitor breathing.
Do not give food or drink to an injured person, and do not remove a motorcycle helmet unless breathing is obstructed. Record what you observe for the emergency services.
Rule of thumb: the emergency sequence is protect, alert, rescue. Secure the scene before touching anyone.
Worked example: a motorcyclist is unconscious but breathing. Leave the helmet on, support the airway, keep the casualty still and warm, and wait for the ambulance.