After a collision, someone is unconscious in their vehicle. When should you call the emergency services?

Why that is the answer

An unconscious casualty needs urgent professional medical help. Call the emergency services as soon as possible, once the area is safe. Every second counts when dealing with potential breathing problems or serious head injuries. You must not delay making the call to check for broken bones or other minor injuries first. Getting professional help on the way immediately is the most critical step in line with official guidance.

How this comes up in the real test

Questions from incidents, accidents and emergencies appear throughout the 50-question multiple-choice section, and the wording changes between versions. Learn the rule rather than the sentence: the DVSA can ask the same point from the opposite direction, and a memorised answer falls over the moment the phrasing moves.

The pass mark is 43 out of 50, so seven wrong answers is your entire margin. If a whole category is shaky, run the topic practice below until you are getting every question right for the right reason, then go back to full mocks under the clock.

More incidents, accidents and emergencies questions

• An adult casualty isn’t breathing. CPR should be administered to keep the blood flowing. How hard should you press against their chest?
• An injured motorcyclist is lying unconscious in the road. The traffic has stopped and there’s no further danger. What could you do to help?
• An injured person has been placed in the recovery position. They’re unconscious but breathing normally. What else should be done?
• At an incident, a casualty is unconscious but breathing. When should you move them?
• At an incident, a casualty isn’t breathing. What should you do while helping them to start breathing again?
• At an incident, how could you help a casualty who has stopped breathing?