First aid, incidents and emergency procedures
First-aid and incident questions test scene safety, alerting the emergency services, basic life support and the legal aftermath of a crash. The exam favours calm priorities over dramatic action.
At the scene
Stop safely, switch on hazard lights and put on a reflective vest if you have one. Place a warning triangle behind the vehicle: at least 50 m away on a motorway or rural road, and at a suitable distance in a built-up area. Do not walk on the carriageway unnecessarily. Call 112 for injuries, fire, danger or a blocked road. Give the location, number of casualties and hazards.
First aid
Check danger, then response and breathing. If the casualty is unconscious but breathing, place them in the recovery position and monitor breathing. If breathing is absent or abnormal, start CPR: 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths, compressions at 100-120 per minute and about 5-6 cm deep in an adult. Use an AED as soon as one is available and follow its voice prompts. Control severe bleeding with direct pressure. Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger, such as fire.
After the incident
Exchange name, address, registration and insurance details. Call the police if anyone is injured, if there is significant damage or if the other party leaves the scene. Do not admit fault; report facts to your insurer. On a motorway, get to a safe place behind the barrier and do not stand in the emergency lane.
Worked example
You arrive at a single-car crash. The driver is unconscious but breathing normally and there is no fire. You should not drag the driver out. Call 112, place a warning triangle, and if it is safe, open the airway and place the casualty in the recovery position while monitoring breathing until help arrives. Moving the casualty could worsen a spinal injury.
Traps
Moving an injured person without danger; giving food or drink to a casualty; placing the warning triangle too close; and leaving the scene without exchanging details.