Parhelion

Topic

Incidents, accidents and emergencies

Last updated

Incidents, accidents and emergencies covers what to do when something goes wrong — at the scene of a collision, during a breakdown, in a tunnel fire, or when first aid is needed. Updated from 2026 to include questions on CPR and using a public-access defibrillator (AED).

What’s tested

  • At a scene: stop, secure the area, summon help, check for injuries
  • First aid priorities — airway, breathing, severe bleeding
  • CPR basics: compression rate (100–120 / min), depth (5–6 cm), 30 : 2
  • AED use: power on, follow the voice prompts, only shock when advised
  • Tunnel fires and breakdowns — when to stay with the vehicle and when to leave

Key Highway Code rules

Try a real DVSA question

Practice question

From the DVSA question bank

You're at an incident. What could you do to help an unconscious casualty?

Show explanation

The correct answer is B.

If a casualty is unconscious, you need to check that they're breathing normally. Look for chest movements, look and listen for breathing, and feel for breath on your cheek.

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Common mistakes

  • Moving an unconscious casualty when there is no immediate danger
  • Removing a motorcyclist’s helmet (only if airway cannot be opened otherwise)
  • Setting up a hazard warning triangle on a motorway (not permitted)
  • Switching off a vehicle fire by lifting the bonnet (oxygen fuels the fire)

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