DVSA Accidents and Emergencies 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What should you do if you arrive at the scene of a motorcycle accident and the rider is unconscious?
- Remove their helmet immediately
- Leave the helmet on unless breathing is obstructed, and stabilise their head and neck (Correct answer)
- Drag them off the road immediately
- Roll them onto their front
Correct answer: Leave the helmet on unless breathing is obstructed, and stabilise their head and neck
Do not remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless it is essential to maintain their airway or they are not breathing. Removing it incorrectly could cause spinal injury. Support their head and neck.
Question 2: At an accident scene, what should you NOT give to a casualty?
- First aid
- Reassurance and comfort
- Food or drink (Correct answer)
- A blanket to keep them warm
Correct answer: Food or drink
Never give food or drink to a casualty at an accident scene. They may have internal injuries or may need surgery, for which an empty stomach is required for anaesthesia.
Question 3: What should you do if you see an accident on the other side of a dual carriageway?
- Do a U-turn to reach the scene
- Continue driving carefully, report it if you can safely, and do not stop on your side to look (Correct answer)
- Stop on your side to see if you can help
- Flash your headlights to warn approaching traffic
Correct answer: Continue driving carefully, report it if you can safely, and do not stop on your side to look
Do not stop on your side of a dual carriageway to look at an accident on the other side. This causes rubbernecking and can lead to further collisions. Report it safely if no one appears to be helping.
Question 4: How should you deal with a casualty who is bleeding severely?
- Apply a tourniquet immediately
- Apply firm pressure to the wound with a clean cloth and raise the injured part above the heart if possible (Correct answer)
- Pour water on the wound
- Remove any embedded objects from the wound
Correct answer: Apply firm pressure to the wound with a clean cloth and raise the injured part above the heart if possible
Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or pad. If possible, raise the injured limb above the level of the heart to reduce blood flow. Do not remove embedded objects.
Question 5: What is the purpose of the recovery position?
- To make the casualty more comfortable
- To keep the airway open and allow fluids to drain from the mouth (Correct answer)
- To help splint broken bones
- To keep the casualty visible to traffic
Correct answer: To keep the airway open and allow fluids to drain from the mouth
The recovery position keeps the airway open by allowing the tongue to fall forward and any vomit or fluid to drain from the mouth, reducing the risk of choking or aspiration.
Question 6: Should you use a warning triangle on a motorway?
- Yes, always place one behind your vehicle
- No, it is too dangerous to walk on a motorway to place one (Correct answer)
- Yes, but only on the hard shoulder
- Only during daylight hours
Correct answer: No, it is too dangerous to walk on a motorway to place one
You should NOT use a warning triangle on a motorway. It is too dangerous to walk along the carriageway or hard shoulder to place one due to the high speed of traffic.
DVSA Accidents and Emergencies 3
What should you do if you arrive at the scene of a motorcycle accident and the rider is unconscious?