Emergency procedures, breakdowns and first aid awareness
When things go wrong
Breakdown: move as far off the carriageway as possible, switch on hazard lights, put on a reflective vest, and place a warning triangle behind the vehicle on a straight road - never on a motorway lane. Call police on 104, fire on 115, ambulance on 122, and give location, direction and injuries.
First aid awareness
- Protect the scene first; do not become a casualty.
- Check responsiveness, airway, breathing and circulation; call for help.
- Control severe bleeding with direct pressure.
- Do not move a casualty unless there is fire, traffic or another immediate danger.
- If breathing but unconscious, use the recovery position.
- Do not give food or drink to an injured person.
Worked example
A car has left the road and the driver is unconscious but breathing. You smell fuel. The correct priority is to switch off the ignition if safe, remove the key, and move the casualty only because of the fire risk; then call 122 and monitor breathing. Moving a suspected spinal injury without that danger could paralyse them.
Traps
Standing behind a broken-down car on the carriageway; moving casualties routinely; and forgetting to warn approaching traffic before helping.