What this topic covers
When things go wrong, knowing the right steps saves lives. Learn how to make a scene safe, basic first aid priorities, and what details you must exchange.
Practice questions
Q1You arrive first at a crash. What should you do first?
Your first priority is safety: switch on hazard lights, warn other traffic, and stop any further collisions before helping casualties.
Q2An unconscious casualty is breathing. You should:
Keep checking the airway and breathing. Don't move them unnecessarily or give anything to eat or drink while you wait for help.
Q3To help someone who is bleeding heavily, you should:
Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound (ideally with a clean pad) and raise the injured part if you can, to slow the bleeding.
Q4After a minor collision with another car, you must:
You must stop and give your name, address and vehicle details to anyone with reason to ask. Report to police within 24 hours if details can't be exchanged.
Q5In a tunnel your car catches fire and can still be driven. You should:
If the car is driveable, continue out of the tunnel to safety. If not, stop, switch off the engine, and use an emergency exit and phone.
Q6After breaking down on an ordinary road, you can warn other traffic by:
Switch on hazard lights and, where safe, place a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind the vehicle. Never use a triangle on a motorway.
Q7To treat someone's burns at the scene, you should:
Cool the burn with plenty of clean, cool water for at least ten minutes. Don't burst blisters or remove anything stuck to it.
Q8Someone involved in a crash is pale, cold and shaking (in shock). You should:
Reassure them, keep them warm and comfortable, and don't give food or drink. Make sure the emergency services are on the way.
Q9At the scene of a motorcycle crash, you should remove the rider's helmet only if:
Leave a crashed rider's helmet on unless it's absolutely necessary to maintain their airway or breathing, as moving it can cause further injury.
Q10Your car breaks down in a tunnel and can't be driven. You should:
Put on hazard lights, leave the vehicle, and use the tunnel's emergency phone or point to call for help. Follow any tunnel signs and signals.
Q11You see smoke and flames from under your car's bonnet. You should:
Stop, switch off and get everyone clear. Don't fully open the bonnet — extra air can fan the flames. Call 999.
Q12An adult casualty is not breathing. After calling 999 you should:
Begin CPR — press firmly in the centre of the chest about 100 to 120 times a minute — until help arrives.
Q13At a crash scene you should make sure that:
Spilt fuel makes fire a real risk, so switch off engines and stop anyone smoking near the scene.
Q14A casualty has an object embedded in a wound. You should:
Don't remove an embedded object — it may be limiting the bleeding. Press around it and get medical help.
Q15You should move an injured person from a crashed vehicle only if:
Moving casualties can worsen injuries. Only move them if staying put puts them in immediate danger.
Ready for the real thing?
Mix this topic with all the others in a full, timed mock test.