UK PCV Theory Emergency and First Aid Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You are the first to arrive at the scene of a road traffic collision. A passenger is unconscious but appears to be breathing normally. What is the first step you should take according to the DR ABC first aid procedure?
- Check for any dangers to yourself, the casualty, and others. (Correct answer)
- Open the casualty's airway by tilting their head back.
- Attempt to get a response by shaking their shoulders.
- Check for circulation and begin chest compressions.
Correct answer: Check for any dangers to yourself, the casualty, and others.
The primary survey in first aid follows the DR ABC (or DRSABC) protocol. The very first step is 'Danger'. Before approaching a casualty, you must assess the situation for any potential dangers to yourself, bystanders, or the casualty to avoid creating more victims.
Question 2: A passenger on your bus has a severe bleeding wound on their arm. There is an object embedded in the wound. What is the correct course of action?
- Carefully remove the object before applying pressure.
- Apply pressure to the wound, but away from the embedded object. (Correct answer)
- Leave the object in place and apply firm pressure directly on top of it.
- Elevate the arm but do not apply any pressure to the wound itself.
Correct answer: Apply pressure to the wound, but away from the embedded object.
If an object is embedded in a wound, it should not be removed as it may be acting as a plug and preventing further blood loss. Pressure should be applied firmly on either side of the object to help control the bleeding without pushing the object further in.
Question 3: You have been involved in a minor collision in your bus. No one is injured, but the other driver's car has sustained damage. You have exchanged details with the other driver. By law, what must you do?
- Report the incident to the police within 48 hours.
- Report the incident to the DVSA within 24 hours.
- Inform your insurance company as soon as is reasonably practical. (Correct answer)
- Only report the incident if the other driver decides to make a claim.
Correct answer: Inform your insurance company as soon as is reasonably practical.
Even if no one is injured, you must report any collision to your insurance company. If details are exchanged and there are no injuries, reporting to the police isn't always legally required, but you must inform your insurer. The DVSA only needs to be informed of incidents involving fatalities, serious injuries, or serious damage.
Question 4: While assessing an unresponsive casualty at an incident, you find they are not breathing normally. After calling 999, what is the next immediate action you should take?
- Place them in the recovery position.
- Check for a pulse in their neck.
- Commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). (Correct answer)
- Look for identification to find out their medical history.
Correct answer: Commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
For an adult casualty who is unresponsive and not breathing normally, the correct procedure after calling for emergency help is to start CPR immediately. Chest compressions are vital to maintain circulation until professional help arrives.
Question 5: A passenger appears pale, feels cold and clammy, and is breathing rapidly after a fall on your bus. Which condition are they most likely suffering from?
- Anaphylaxis
- Hypothermia
- A diabetic emergency
- Shock (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Shock
The signs described – pale, cold, clammy skin and rapid, shallow breathing – are classic symptoms of shock. Shock is a life-threatening condition caused by a lack of circulating blood and requires immediate medical attention.
Question 6: Which of the following is the most appropriate type of fire extinguisher to be carried on a PCV for general risks, according to UK standards?
- Water (Red label)
- Dry Powder (Blue label)
- AFFF Foam (Cream label) (Correct answer)
- Carbon Dioxide (Black label)
Correct answer: AFFF Foam (Cream label)
While Dry Powder extinguishers are versatile, AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) extinguishers are widely recommended and used for public transport vehicles like buses and coaches in the UK. They are effective on Class A (solids like upholstery) and Class B (flammable liquids like fuel) fires, which are the most common risks. UK regulations require PCVs to carry at least one portable fire extinguisher.
UK PCV Theory Emergency and First Aid Questions and Answers
You are the first to arrive at the scene of a road traffic collision.
A passenger is unconscious but appears to be breathing normally.
What is the first step you should take according to the DR ABC first aid procedure?