Emergencies

What to do at the scene of an incident, first aid basics and tunnel safety.

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Emergencies

Dealing With the Unexpected

An emergency on the road can happen at any time — a breakdown, a collision, a fire, or someone needing urgent help. How you react in the first few moments can save lives.

Key Driver Skills

Stay calm.
Protect the scene.
Call for help.
Give basic first aid only if you are trained or following clear instructions.

Key Principle

Your priority order is always: safety first, then summon help, then help the injured.

What it means

What to do when things go wrong — breakdowns, fires, crashes, first aid and tunnels.

Why it matters

A calm, correct response can save lives. Doing the wrong thing (like moving an injured rider's helmet) can make injuries worse.

Common mistakes

Moving a motorcyclist's helmet after a crash (only do this if they can't breathe).
Standing in the road at the scene of an incident.
Driving through a tunnel with sunglasses on.

Exam tips

At a crash: warn others, call 999, switch off engines, don't move casualties unless in danger.
First aid DR ABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Compressions.
For burns: cool with clean water for at least 20 minutes.
In a tunnel: keep your distance, take off sunglasses, use dipped headlights, and follow variable message signs.

Real driving examples

You see a car on fire in a tunnel — switch off your engine, leave the car, walk to the nearest exit.
A casualty is bleeding heavily — apply firm pressure to the wound with a clean pad.

Key facts to memorise

First aid: DR ABC (Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Compressions).
Cool burns with clean water for at least 20 minutes.
Only remove a motorcyclist's helmet if essential to keep them breathing.

Test your knowledge

10 questions, instant feedback, scored to your dashboard.

Start Emergencies quiz