DVSA Incidents, Accidents and First Aid 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You arrive at the scene of a collision. A casualty is unconscious but breathing. What position should you place them in?
- Flat on their back
- The recovery position (Correct answer)
- Sitting upright
- Face down
Correct answer: The recovery position
An unconscious but breathing casualty should be placed in the recovery position to keep the airway open and prevent choking.
Question 2: At a crash scene, a vehicle is on fire with a casualty inside. What should you do first?
- Try to remove the casualty immediately
- Call the emergency services (Correct answer)
- Attempt to put the fire out yourself
- Wait for other motorists to help
Correct answer: Call the emergency services
You should call the emergency services immediately so trained professionals can deal with both the fire and the casualty safely.
Question 3: How should you perform CPR chest compressions on an adult casualty?
- 5 compressions then 2 breaths
- 30 compressions then 2 breaths (Correct answer)
- 10 compressions then 1 breath
- 15 compressions then 1 breath
Correct answer: 30 compressions then 2 breaths
Current first aid guidelines recommend 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths when performing CPR on an adult.
Question 4: A casualty is bleeding heavily from an arm wound. What is the most effective immediate action?
- Apply a tourniquet above the wound
- Elevate the arm and apply firm pressure (Correct answer)
- Pour cold water over the wound
- Give the casualty a warm drink
Correct answer: Elevate the arm and apply firm pressure
Elevating the injured limb and applying firm direct pressure is the recommended first aid for controlling severe bleeding.
Question 5: After a road collision, you suspect a casualty has a neck injury. What should you do?
- Move them quickly to a safe place
- Advise them to keep still and avoid moving their head (Correct answer)
- Give them water to drink
- Help them out of the vehicle immediately
Correct answer: Advise them to keep still and avoid moving their head
A suspected spinal or neck injury means the casualty should not be moved unless in immediate danger, as movement can cause further damage.
Question 6: You witness a motorcyclist involved in a collision. They are unconscious. Should you remove their helmet?
- Yes, always remove it immediately
- No, only remove it if they are not breathing
- Yes, to check for head injuries
- No, leave it on unless there is a specific breathing problem that cannot otherwise be resolved (Correct answer)
Correct answer: No, leave it on unless there is a specific breathing problem that cannot otherwise be resolved
A motorcyclist's helmet should only be removed if it is absolutely necessary to maintain their airway, as removal risks aggravating a spinal injury.
DVSA Incidents, Accidents and First Aid 1
You arrive at the scene of a collision.
A casualty is unconscious but breathing.
What position should you place them in?