First Aid and Emergency Procedures
Core concepts
At a collision scene, your first duty is to prevent further harm. Protect the scene: switch off your engine, set hazard lights, place a warning triangle well behind the wreck where traffic will see it, and keep bystanders back. Then check for danger - fuel leaks, fire, moving traffic - before approaching casualties. Call for emergency help as early as possible, giving location, number of casualties, and hazards.
Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire. Check responsiveness and breathing. If a casualty is not breathing normally, begin CPR if trained and send for an ambulance. Control severe bleeding with direct pressure using a clean cloth. Keep casualties warm and still, and reassure them. Never give food or drink to an injured person. Do not remove a motorcycle helmet unless the airway is at risk and you are trained to do so.
Traps in questions
- "Move them off the road" trap: moving an injured person can worsen spinal injuries; move only if there is immediate danger.
- "Give them water" trap: never give food or drink to an injured person.
- Helmet trap: leave it on unless the airway is blocked and you are trained.
- Scene-safety trap: helping casualties before securing the scene can create more casualties.
Worked example
You arrive at a motorcycle collision. First, park safely, use hazard lights, and place a triangle. Check for fuel and traffic danger. Send someone to call emergency services. Approach the rider, check responsiveness and breathing, control any bleeding with direct pressure, and keep them warm and still - leaving the helmet in place unless breathing is obstructed.
Rule of thumb: protect, call, then treat - in that order.