First Aid and Casualty Care
First-aid items in the Mongolian theory test reward a calm, ordered approach: protect the scene, call for help, then treat what kills first. The exam rarely asks for advanced medicine; it asks whether you would do the basic things correctly.
Order of actions
Make the scene safe and switch off engines. Call 103 for an ambulance and 102 for police. Do not move a casualty unless there is fire, traffic or another immediate danger. Then check responsiveness and breathing.
What to do
- Not breathing normally: start chest compressions at roughly 100 to 120 per minute, 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths if you are trained and willing.
- Unconscious but breathing: place in the recovery position and monitor breathing continuously.
- Severe bleeding: press directly on the wound with a clean dressing and keep pressing.
- Burns: cool with clean cool water; do not apply ointments or burst blisters.
- Suspected spinal injury: keep the head and neck still and wait for help.
- Shock and cold: keep the casualty warm and still; hypothermia is a real risk on Mongolian roads for much of the year.
Never give food or drink to an unconscious or badly injured person, and never remove a motorcycle helmet unless the airway is blocked and you cannot manage it otherwise.
Worked example
A motorcyclist is down, unresponsive but breathing. Reasoning: the airway and breathing come before the helmet, but since breathing is present you leave the helmet on, place the casualty in the recovery position without twisting the neck, keep them warm and watch breathing until the ambulance arrives.
Traps that cost marks
Moving casualties unnecessarily; giving water; pulling off helmets; and leaving the scene to fetch help instead of sending someone else while you stay with the casualty.