CPC First Aid — Questions and Answers
Question 1: If you arrive at the scene of a road traffic collision, what should your first priority be?
- Move the injured people immediately
- Ensure the scene is safe for yourself and others before approaching (Correct answer)
- Take photographs for insurance
- Direct traffic around the scene
Correct answer: Ensure the scene is safe for yourself and others before approaching
The first priority at any incident scene is to ensure your own safety and that of others. This means assessing hazards (traffic, fuel, fire), switching off vehicle ignitions if safe, using hazard lights and warning triangles, and calling 999 before approaching casualties.
Question 2: What does DR ABC stand for in first aid?
- Drive, Reverse, Accelerate, Brake, Clutch
- Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation (Correct answer)
- Dial, Report, Assess, Bandage, Cover
- Directions, Route, Arrive, Begin, Complete
Correct answer: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation
DR ABC is the primary assessment sequence: check for Danger, check for Response (is the casualty conscious?), open the Airway (head tilt, chin lift), check for Breathing, and check Circulation. This systematic approach ensures nothing is missed.
Question 3: How should you treat a casualty who is unconscious but breathing normally?
- Leave them on their back and wait for help
- Place them in the recovery position and monitor their breathing (Correct answer)
- Sit them upright against a wall
- Give them water to drink
Correct answer: Place them in the recovery position and monitor their breathing
An unconscious casualty who is breathing normally should be placed in the recovery position (on their side with the airway open). This prevents the tongue from blocking the airway and allows any fluids to drain. Monitor breathing until help arrives.
Question 4: When calling 999 at a road traffic collision, what information should you provide?
- Only your name
- Your location, number of vehicles and casualties, types of injuries, and any hazards such as fuel spills (Correct answer)
- Just say 'there has been an accident'
- The registration numbers of all vehicles
Correct answer: Your location, number of vehicles and casualties, types of injuries, and any hazards such as fuel spills
Provide your exact location (road name, junction, landmarks), the number of vehicles involved, the number and condition of casualties, types of injuries if known, and any hazards such as fuel spills, trapped casualties, or fire risk.
Question 5: How should you control severe bleeding from a wound?
- Apply a tourniquet as the first response
- Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean dressing and elevate the injured part if possible (Correct answer)
- Wash the wound with cold water
- Remove any objects embedded in the wound
Correct answer: Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean dressing and elevate the injured part if possible
Apply direct firm pressure to the wound using a sterile dressing or clean cloth. Elevate the injured part above the level of the heart if possible. Do not remove embedded objects. If blood soaks through, apply additional dressings on top.
Question 6: What should you NOT do if a casualty in a vehicle collision has a suspected spinal injury?
- Call for emergency help
- Keep them still and support their head
- Move them unless there is immediate danger to life such as fire (Correct answer)
- Talk to them reassuringly
Correct answer: Move them unless there is immediate danger to life such as fire
A casualty with a suspected spinal injury should not be moved unless there is an immediate life threat (such as fire or the vehicle being in a dangerous position). Moving them incorrectly could cause permanent paralysis. Support the head and neck in the position found.
CPC First Aid
If you arrive at the scene of a road traffic collision, what should your first priority be?