First aid and behaviour at the scene of a traffic accident
First aid and behaviour at the scene is examined as a sequence: protect, alert, assist. Croatian questions reward the rider who secures the site before touching the casualty, and who knows exactly when not to move an injured motorcyclist.
Core rules
- Secure the scene: engines off, hazard lights, warning triangle, high-visibility vest, traffic warned and kept away. A second collision is the most common way rescuers get hurt.
- Call 112; give location, number of casualties and hazards.
- Do not move an injured rider unless there is fire, risk of another collision, or you must open the airway.
- Helmet: leave it on when breathing is normal. Remove only if the airway is blocked or the casualty is vomiting, ideally with two people keeping the neck in line.
- Severe bleeding: firm direct pressure with a clean cloth; never pull out an embedded object.
- Unresponsive and not breathing normally: CPR, 30 compressions to 2 breaths, 100–120 per minute, 5–6 cm deep, AED as soon as one is available.
- Unresponsive but breathing: recovery position, monitor continuously.
- Shock: lie the casualty flat, keep warm, nothing to eat or drink.
Worked example
A moped rider lies in the road, helmet on, unconscious but breathing. A car has already stopped behind you. Secure and call 112 first, not last. Because breathing is present and the airway is clear, leave the helmet. If he starts vomiting, two of you roll him as a unit with one holding the head and neck in line, then clear the mouth.
Traps that cost marks
Removing a helmet as a reflex, sitting an injured casualty up, giving water, moving someone 'to make them comfortable', and forgetting to warn oncoming traffic.