Accidents, first aid and emergency procedures (slys, skyndihjálp og neyðaraðgerðir)
What this domain tests
What you do in the first minutes after a collision: protecting the scene, calling for help, and giving first aid without making things worse.
The sequence
- Make the scene safe - park clear of the carriageway, hazard lights on, high-visibility clothing on, and place the warning triangle well back. On a 90 km/h rural road that means at least 100 metres, and further if the road is blind.
- Call 112 - Iceland's single emergency number. Give the road, direction of travel, number of casualties and any hazards.
- Do not move casualties unless there is fire, traffic or another immediate danger, or the airway cannot be managed where they lie.
- Airway, breathing, circulation. Unconscious and breathing: recovery position. Not breathing: start CPR, 30 compressions to 2 breaths.
- Bleeding - firm direct pressure. Shock - keep the casualty warm and reassured.
Helmets
Leave a fallen rider's helmet on. Remove it only if the airway is blocked and cannot be cleared otherwise, and then only with a second person supporting the head and neck in line.
Worked example
A rider is lying unconscious but breathing normally, and there is no fire or traffic danger. You do not remove the helmet. You support the head, check breathing continuously, keep the rider warm and wait for the ambulance you have already called on 112.
Traps
Removing a helmet out of reflex. Giving an unconscious person water. Moving a casualty with a suspected spinal injury because it is more comfortable. Leaving the scene to fetch help instead of calling 112. Forgetting that you must also report the collision and exchange insurance details.