The answer options
- When bystanders offer to help you
- When there's a risk of further dangerCorrect
- When bystanders tell you to move them
- When an ambulance is on its way
Why the other options are wrong
- “When bystanders offer to help you” is a distractor. It does not meet the standard the question is testing, which when there's a risk of further danger does. Picking it in the real test costs a mark you cannot get back, and with a pass mark of 43 out of 50 you only have seven to spare.
- “When bystanders tell you to move them” is a distractor. It does not meet the standard the question is testing, which when there's a risk of further danger does. Picking it in the real test costs a mark you cannot get back, and with a pass mark of 43 out of 50 you only have seven to spare.
- “When an ambulance is on its way” is a distractor. It does not meet the standard the question is testing, which when there's a risk of further danger does. Picking it in the real test costs a mark you cannot get back, and with a pass mark of 43 out of 50 you only have seven to spare.
Why that is the answer
As a rule, you should never move an unconscious casualty because doing so could worsen unseen spinal or internal injuries. The only exception is if leaving them exposes them to immediate further danger, such as fire, explosion, or oncoming traffic. You must not move them simply because an ambulance is on its way or because bystanders suggest it. Always wait for medical professionals unless leaving the person where they are puts their life at risk.
What incidents, accidents and emergencies covers
- · The DR ABC approach and CPR compression rate and depth
- · Treating burns, bleeding and shock at the roadside
- · Warning triangles, hazard lights and making a scene safe
- · Tunnel incidents, vehicle fires and evacuating passengers
Mistakes learners repeat on this topic
- · Removing a motorcyclist's helmet when it is not essential
- · Placing a warning triangle on a motorway hard shoulder
- · Giving an injured person a drink or something to eat
- · Leaving the scene without reporting when nobody appears hurt
Instructor tip: Cool a burn with clean cool water for at least ten minutes — the timing is the part questions test.
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
- After a collision, someone is unconscious in their vehicle. When should you call the emergency services?
- 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 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?