First aid, breakdown and accident handling
This domain tests what you do in the first minutes after a breakdown or crash. The priorities are always the same: protect the scene, alert the emergency services, give first aid and secure information. In Switzerland the main emergency numbers are 144 for ambulance, 117 for police, 118 for fire and 112 as the general emergency number.
Breakdown
- Stop as far right and as safely as possible. Switch on hazard lights. Put on a high-visibility vest before leaving the vehicle.
- Place a warning triangle behind the vehicle on an ordinary road, far enough back to give approaching traffic time to react; a common Swiss guideline is at least 50 metres. On motorways the distance is greater, but category F vehicles are not allowed there.
- Keep passengers away from the traffic side, especially on a country road. Call for assistance and do not stand behind the vehicle.
Accident
- Protect the scene: hazard lights, warning triangle, vest, and keep others from walking into traffic.
- Call emergency services if anyone is injured or there is danger. Give the location, number of injured people and hazards.
- First aid: check responsiveness and breathing, stop severe bleeding, keep the injured person warm and still. Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger. If the person is breathing but unconscious, use the recovery position.
- Exchange names, addresses, insurance details and vehicle information. Report to the police when there are injuries or a dispute.
Worked example
Your category F vehicle stops on a country road with a flat tyre. You pull as far right as possible, switch on hazard lights, put on the vest and place the triangle about 50 metres behind the vehicle. You keep passengers behind the barrier or away from the carriageway and call assistance. You do not stand between the vehicle and oncoming traffic while changing the wheel.
Traps that cost marks
Moving an injured person without danger is a serious error. So is forgetting the warning triangle or placing it too close. Do not leave the scene of an accident involving injury, and do not assume a minor collision needs no details exchange.
Key points
- Emergency numbers: 144 ambulance, 117 police, 118 fire, 112 general.
- Protect first: hazard lights, vest, warning triangle.
- Call for help, then give first aid within your ability.
- Do not move injured people unless there is immediate danger.
- Exchange details and report injury accidents to the police.