You arrive at an incident, someone involved is bleeding heavily from a wound on their arm. The wound is clear of debris, how can you help them?

Why that is the answer

Applying firm, direct pressure to a heavily bleeding wound helps stem the flow of blood and encourages clotting. You should also elevate the arm if possible. Simply dabbing the wound will not stop severe blood loss, and keeping the casualty walking can worsen shock. Avoid giving them anything to drink, as this can cause complications if they later require surgery or an anaesthetic in hospital.

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?