First aid, emergencies and accident procedure
The exam tests the order of actions after a crash, what you must not do to an injured person, and how to report an accident properly. Panic and improvisation cause more harm than good.
Protect, alert, rescue
Protect the scene first: hazard lights on, warning triangle set back on the road where it is safe, reflective vest before stepping out, no smoking. Then alert the emergency services - police, fire or ambulance - giving the exact location, the number of vehicles and casualties, and any fire or fuel spill. Only then help, within your ability. Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire, or they are not breathing and need resuscitation.
First aid essentials
- Bleeding: press firmly on the wound with a clean cloth.
- Unconscious but breathing: recovery position, monitor the airway.
- Not breathing: call for help, then chest compressions - 30 compressions to 2 breaths, 100 to 120 per minute, about 5 to 6 cm deep.
- Motorcyclists: do not remove the helmet unless the airway is blocked; wait for trained help.
- Never give food or drink to an injured person.
After the crash
Exchange names, addresses, insurance and vehicle details; fill in and both sign an accident report; take photographs and note witnesses. Do not leave the scene of an injury accident, do not admit fault and do not pay cash to settle.
Worked example
You reach a fallen motorcyclist who is breathing but unconscious. You put on your vest, switch on the hazard lights, set the triangle, call the emergency services, then place the rider in the recovery position without removing the helmet and keep talking until help arrives.
Traps that cost marks
Removing a helmet to help someone breathe; giving water; dragging a casualty clear when traffic has already stopped; leaving the scene.