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Difficulty: HardBasic First Aid and Casualty Management

At the scene of a road collision where the immediate area has been made safe, match each casualty's specific medical condition to the correct first-aid action that should be carried out before emergency services arrive.

  • An unconscious casualty who is breathing normally and has no suspected spinal traumaPlace them into the recovery position to keep the airway open and prevent choking while continuously monitoring their breathing
  • A casualty with severe arterial bleeding from a limb wound containing an embedded shard of glassApply firm direct pressure to the wound edges around the object without pressing down on it or attempting removal, and bandage securely
  • A conscious casualty trapped in a vehicle showing rapid shallow breathing, pale cold clammy skin, and dizzinessReassure them, loosen tight clothing around the neck and chest, keep them warm, and avoid offering any food or drink
  • A casualty who has suffered severe thermal burns where melted fabric has adhered to the damaged skinCool the affected area with clean, cold liquid for at least 20 minutes without attempting to peel away or disturb stuck clothing

Answer

Match the unconscious breathing casualty with the recovery position, the casualty with an embedded object with pressure applied around the object's sides, the casualty exhibiting physical shock with loosening clothing and withholding food/drink, and the burn casualty with continuous cooling without peeling adhered clothing.
Each pairing reflects established UK first-aid and DVSA guidelines: unresponsive breathing casualties require airway protection via the recovery position; embedded objects must be stabilized by pressing around the perimeter; circulatory shock requires reassurance, thermal maintenance, and strict withholding of food/drink; and severe burns require prompt cooling for at least 20 minutes while leaving adhered materials untouched.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary airway and breathing management protocol for an unresponsive casualty.
An unconscious casualty who breathes independently should be placed into the recovery position to prevent airway obstruction.
Maintaining an open airway is the highest priority under the DR ABC protocol when breathing is present.
2
Determine the proper technique for stemming severe haemorrhage when foreign matter is lodged in the wound.
Apply firm direct pressure to the margins of the wound around the foreign body without dislodging it.
Removing an embedded object can accelerate arterial blood loss and inflict further internal tissue trauma.
3
Recognise the signs of physiological/circulatory shock and select appropriate stabilization measures.
Keep the casualty warm, loosen restrictive garments, offer reassurance, and do not provide oral fluids or food.
Giving fluids to a casualty in shock can trigger vomiting or complicate emergency surgery.
4
Apply correct burn management principles for thermal injury with adhered material.
Irrigate with clean cold water for a minimum of 20 minutes and leave adhered material intact.
Cooling dissipates residual heat in the dermis, while tearing adhered fabric strips away damaged skin layers.

Key Concept

Application of UK first-aid casualty management protocols for airway maintenance, penetrating haemorrhage, circulatory shock, and burn treatment at collision scenes.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Basic First Aid and Casualty Management

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