Accidents, Emergencies and First Aid
What this domain covers
Accidents, Emergencies and First Aid tests immediate scene management and basic life support. You must know how to protect the scene, call for help, prioritise casualties and avoid making injuries worse.
At the scene
Stop, switch off engines, put on hazard lights and place a warning triangle if it is safe. Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire or traffic. Call emergency services and give a precise location, number of casualties and hazards. Do not leave the scene; exchange details and report to police where required.
First aid priorities
Use DR ABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation. If the casualty is breathing but unconscious, place them in the recovery position. If not breathing normally, start CPR and use an AED if available. Control bleeding with direct pressure. Cool burns with clean, cool water; do not remove clothing stuck to a burn. Do not give food or drink.
Motorcyclists
Do not remove a helmet unless it is essential for airway management. Support the head and neck and wait for trained help. Removing a helmet can worsen a spinal injury.
Worked example
A motorcyclist is unconscious but breathing after a collision. What do you do? Leave the helmet on, support the head and neck, check the airway, call emergency services and monitor breathing. Reasoning: the rider may have a spinal injury; unnecessary movement can cause paralysis.
Traps that cost marks
- Moving a casualty 'to make them comfortable'.
- Removing a helmet unnecessarily.
- Giving an injured person food or drink.
- Forgetting to warn approaching traffic.
- Leaving the scene before details are exchanged.
Key points
- Scene safety first; then call emergency services.
- DR ABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation.
- Recovery position if breathing but unconscious; CPR if not breathing.
- Control bleeding with direct pressure; cool burns with water.
- Do not remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless essential.
- Stop, exchange details and report where required.