You arrive at the scene of an incident where a pedestrian is bleeding heavily from a leg wound. The wound is clear and the leg isn't broken. How can you help?

Why the other options are wrong

• “Give them a drink” is a distractor. It does not meet the standard the question is testing, which apply firm pressure onto the wound 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.
• “Keep their leg flat on the ground” is a distractor. It does not meet the standard the question is testing, which apply firm pressure onto the wound 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.
• “Dab the wound to prevent bleeding” is a distractor. It does not meet the standard the question is testing, which apply firm pressure onto the wound 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

Applying firm pressure directly onto a heavily bleeding wound helps stem the flow of blood and encourages clotting. Use a clean cloth or dressing if available. Dabbing the wound is ineffective against severe bleeding, as it does not apply enough force to constrict damaged blood vessels. You should never give a casualty anything to eat or drink, as they may need an anaesthetic or surgery later when medical help arrives.

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?