UK PCV Theory Test Emergency and First Aid 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passenger on your bus shows sudden facial drooping on one side, weakness in one arm, and slurred speech. What condition do you suspect and what should you do?
- Suspect a diabetic emergency; offer them a sugary drink immediately
- Suspect a stroke; call 999 immediately and do not give them anything to eat or drink (Correct answer)
- Suspect a panic attack; reassure them and ask them to breathe slowly
- Suspect a seizure; clear space around them and wait for it to pass
Correct answer: Suspect a stroke; call 999 immediately and do not give them anything to eat or drink
The FAST acronym (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 999) identifies a stroke. Strokes are time-critical medical emergencies — calling 999 immediately is essential, and nothing should be given by mouth as the passenger may lose the ability to swallow.
Question 2: A passenger is choking and cannot cough, speak, or breathe. What is the correct first-aid sequence to follow?
- Give up to 5 back blows between the shoulder blades, then up to 5 abdominal thrusts, and repeat the cycle (Correct answer)
- Lay them flat on the floor and perform chest compressions immediately
- Ask them to lean forward and drink a glass of water slowly
- Perform 2 rescue breaths and then 30 chest compressions
Correct answer: Give up to 5 back blows between the shoulder blades, then up to 5 abdominal thrusts, and repeat the cycle
For a conscious adult who is severely choking, the correct sequence is up to 5 firm back blows followed by up to 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre), cycling until the obstruction clears or the person becomes unconscious, at which point you call 999 and begin CPR.
Question 3: A passenger collapses and you suspect anaphylaxis after they mention a severe nut allergy. Which sign would MOST strongly confirm anaphylaxis?
- A mild rash on the forearm only
- Swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, and a rapid weak pulse (Correct answer)
- Slow, deep breathing with a flushed face
- Complaints of feeling cold with excessive shivering
Correct answer: Swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, and a rapid weak pulse
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. Throat swelling (causing airway obstruction), difficulty breathing, and a rapid weak pulse (signs of circulatory shock) are classic indicators. Calling 999 immediately and using an adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen) if available are the priority actions.
Question 4: A passenger with diabetes becomes confused, sweaty, and shaky during your journey. They are still conscious. What is the most appropriate action?
- Give them a sugary drink or glucose tablets if they can swallow safely, and call 999 if they do not improve (Correct answer)
- Ask other passengers to leave them alone as they need rest
- Lay them in the recovery position and wait for them to recover naturally
- Offer them a large meal from your cab to stabilise their blood sugar
Correct answer: Give them a sugary drink or glucose tablets if they can swallow safely, and call 999 if they do not improve
The symptoms describe hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). If the passenger is conscious and can swallow safely, giving a fast-acting sugar source — such as a sugary drink or glucose tablets — can quickly raise blood sugar levels. If they do not improve or lose consciousness, 999 must be called.
Question 5: A passenger has an epileptic seizure on your bus. What should you do during the seizure?
- Restrain their limbs to prevent injury
- Place something firm between their teeth to protect their tongue
- Clear the area around them of hard objects and time the seizure duration (Correct answer)
- Give them water to drink to help them recover quickly
Correct answer: Clear the area around them of hard objects and time the seizure duration
During a seizure you should never restrain the person or put anything in their mouth. The correct action is to protect them from injury by clearing hard or sharp objects nearby, cushion their head if possible, and time the seizure. Call 999 if it lasts more than 5 minutes or they do not recover consciousness.
Question 6: A passenger is bleeding heavily from a wound on their arm. You have a first-aid kit available. What is the most effective immediate action?
- Apply a tourniquet above the wound as the first response
- Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound with a clean pad and maintain it (Correct answer)
- Elevate the arm above the heart and wait for bleeding to stop on its own
- Rinse the wound thoroughly with water before applying any dressing
Correct answer: Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound with a clean pad and maintain it
Direct, firm pressure is the most effective first-line treatment for severe external bleeding. Maintaining continuous pressure helps the blood clot and reduces blood loss. Elevation can assist, but pressure is the immediate priority. Tourniquets are a last resort when other methods fail and life is at risk.
UK PCV Theory Test Emergency and First Aid 1
A passenger on your bus shows sudden facial drooping on one side, weakness in one arm, and slurred speech.
What condition do you suspect and what should you do?