The answer options
- Apply lotions to the injury
- Burst any blisters
- Douse the burns with clean, cool waterCorrect
- Remove anything sticking to the burns
Why that is the answer
Cooling a burn immediately is vital to stop the burning process, relieve pain, and reduce tissue damage. You should douse the area with clean, cool water for at least 20 minutes. DVSA first aid guidance warns never to apply creams or lotions, as they trap heat. You must not burst blisters or pull away anything sticking to the burn, as this significantly increases the risk of severe infection.
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 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?