First aid and emergency response
First aid is a small part of the A1 exam but it is scored strictly on the order of actions: protect, alert, assess, treat. Getting the sequence wrong costs marks even when your intentions are right.
The sequence
- Protect the scene: stop, switch off engines, warn traffic. A motorcycle is not required by KRESZ to carry a warning triangle or a first-aid box, but carry a compact kit anyway. Never stand in the path of traffic to wave people down.
- Alert: call 112 (single emergency number) or 104 (ambulance). Give the exact location, the number of casualties and what happened.
- Assess: DRABC - Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Speak to the casualty; if unresponsive, check breathing for up to ten seconds.
- Helmet: leave it on if the rider is breathing. Remove it only if the airway is blocked or you must start CPR, and ideally with a second person supporting the head and neck.
- CPR: if not breathing normally, 30 compressions (5–6 cm deep, 100–120 per minute) to 2 rescue breaths.
- Other injuries: direct pressure on bleeding, do not move a suspected spinal injury unless there is fire or traffic danger, keep the casualty warm, give nothing by mouth.
Worked example
You reach a fallen rider who is unconscious but breathing. You do not pull the helmet off: you support the head, confirm the airway is clear, monitor breathing and send someone to call 112 and slow the traffic. Reasoning: an unconscious but breathing casualty needs an open airway and monitoring; helmet removal adds neck risk without benefit.
Traps
- Moving a casualty "to make them comfortable" - spinal risk.
- Removing the helmet out of habit rather than necessity.
- Failing to state exactly where you are, which delays the ambulance more than any treatment error.