The answer options
- Give them water
- Ask what happened
- Offer them a cigarette to take their mind off things
- Reassure them confidentlyCorrect
Why the other options are wrong
- “Give them water” is a distractor. It does not meet the standard the question is testing, which reassure them confidently 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.
- “Ask what happened” is a distractor. It does not meet the standard the question is testing, which reassure them confidently 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.
- “Offer them a cigarette to take their mind off things” is a distractor. It does not meet the standard the question is testing, which reassure them confidently 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
Official first aid guidance states that a casualty suffering from shock should be kept calm, warm, and comfortable. Reassuring them confidently helps reduce their anxiety while waiting for help. Never give them anything to eat or drink, including water, as this can complicate medical treatment or surgery later. Avoid offering cigarettes, as they are a fire hazard around fuel, and do not question them about the incident as this increases distress.
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 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?