First Aid, Emergency Response and Accident Procedure
The first minutes matter most
At any crash scene, your priorities are: protect the scene, check for danger, call for help, then treat. Switch off engines, set hazard lights, place a warning triangle, and keep bystanders back. Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire or falling rock - spinal injury can be worsened by careless movement.
Calling for help
Know the emergency numbers and give clear information: location (nearest town, kilometre marker, landmark), number of casualties, types of injury, and whether vehicles are blocking the road. Stay on the line until told to hang up.
Basic first aid
- Bleeding: apply firm direct pressure with a clean cloth.
- Unconscious but breathing: place in the recovery position and monitor breathing.
- Not breathing: begin CPR if trained - chest compressions at a steady rate.
- Burns: cool with clean water, do not apply ointments or ice.
- Shock: keep the person warm, calm and lying down; do not give food or drink.
- Fractures: immobilise, do not attempt to straighten.
Traps in exam questions
- Moving an injured rider immediately to "make them comfortable" is wrong.
- Giving water to an unconscious or shocked casualty is wrong.
- Leaving the scene to find a phone without securing the scene is poor practice if others are present.
- CPR is for people not breathing normally, not for someone breathing steadily but unconscious.
Rule of thumb
Remember DR ABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Check danger first - a second casualty helps nobody.