Emergency and First Aid 1 Flashcards

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?

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.

A passenger is choking and cannot cough, speak, or breathe. What is the correct first-aid sequence to follow?

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.

A passenger collapses and you suspect anaphylaxis after they mention a severe nut allergy. Which sign would MOST strongly confirm anaphylaxis?

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.

A passenger with diabetes becomes confused, sweaty, and shaky during your journey. They are still conscious. What is the most appropriate action?

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.

A passenger has an epileptic seizure on your bus. What should you do during the seizure?

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.

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?

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.