First Aid and Emergency Response
Core Concepts
First aid at the scene of a road accident follows the DRABC protocol: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Ensure your own safety first: park safely, turn on hazard lights, wear a reflective vest, and place a warning triangle at least 30 metres behind the vehicle (100 metres on motorways). Call emergency number 112. Do not move injured persons unless there is immediate danger (e.g., fire). Control bleeding with direct pressure. If the casualty is not breathing, start CPR: 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Use an AED if available.
Traps in Questions
- Moving casualties: Questions often ask whether to move an injured motorcyclist. Only move if there is a life-threatening hazard (fire, traffic). Otherwise, wait for professionals.
- Warning triangle distance: 30 metres on normal roads, 100 metres on motorways.
- CPR ratio: 30:2 for adults; for children, 15:2 if two rescuers.
- Recovery position: For unconscious but breathing casualties, place in recovery position.
Worked Example
You arrive at an accident where a motorcyclist is lying on the road, unconscious but breathing. What do you do? First, secure the scene (hazard lights, triangle, vest). Check response; if unconscious but breathing, place in recovery position and monitor breathing until help arrives. Do not remove the helmet unless necessary to maintain airway.
Rule of Thumb
"Safety first, then ABC." Always ensure the scene is safe before helping.