Emergency Procedures Flashcards

Your PCV is involved in a collision. What is the FIRST action you should take?

Answer: Secure the vehicle by applying the handbrake, switching off the engine, and turning on hazard warning lights

The first priority is to secure the vehicle to prevent further danger. Apply the handbrake, switch off the engine (reducing fire risk), and activate hazard warning lights to warn other road users. Only then should you assess injuries, call emergency services, and deal with passengers.

You discover a fire at the rear of your PCV while carrying passengers. What is the correct procedure?

Answer: Stop immediately in a safe place, evacuate all passengers through the front exit away from the fire, call 999, and attempt to fight the fire only if safe to do so

Stop immediately in a safe location. Evacuate all passengers through exits furthest from the fire (front exit if fire is at the rear). Call 999. Only attempt to fight the fire if it is small, you have the right equipment, and it is safe to do so. Passenger evacuation is always the priority.

What is the correct procedure if your PCV breaks down on a motorway?

Answer: Pull onto the hard shoulder (or emergency refuge area), switch on hazard lights, evacuate passengers to behind the barrier on the verge side, and call for assistance

Move to the hard shoulder or emergency refuge area if possible. Switch on hazard lights. Evacuate passengers from the nearside (left) door and direct them to stand behind the barrier away from the carriageway. Use the emergency telephone or mobile to contact Highways England and your depot.

During an emergency evacuation, you have a passenger in a wheelchair who cannot use the emergency exit. What should you do?

Answer: Enlist the help of other passengers to carry the wheelchair user to safety if the main exit or ramp is usable, or use the nearest accessible exit

Wheelchair users should not be abandoned during an evacuation. If the ramp or main exit is usable, use it. If not, enlist the help of able-bodied passengers to assist. The wheelchair user's safety is equal to all other passengers. Having a plan for such situations is part of professional PCV driving.

What information must you provide when calling 999 following a serious incident involving your PCV?

Answer: The location, number of casualties, nature of injuries, whether anyone is trapped, vehicle type, and any hazards such as fuel spillage

When calling 999, provide: your exact location (road name, direction, landmarks), the number of vehicles involved, the number of casualties and nature of injuries, whether anyone is trapped, the type of vehicle (PCV with passengers), and any hazards such as fuel spillage or fire risk.

What should you do if a passenger has a suspected spinal injury following an incident on your PCV?

Answer: Keep them still, do not move them unless there is immediate danger to life (such as fire), support their head and neck in the position found, and wait for paramedics

A suspected spinal injury requires the casualty to remain completely still. Any movement could worsen the injury and potentially cause permanent paralysis. Only move them if there is immediate danger to life. Support the head and neck in the position found and wait for trained paramedics.