First Aid on the Road

Proper Guidance

This guidance was developed with the support of St John Ambulance, the British Heart Foundation, and the British Red Cross.

It is designed for people without formal first-aid training and should only be used as a temporary measure until professional help arrives.

Whenever possible, seek proper first-aid training from an approved organisation.

Deal with Immediate Danger

The main risks after a crash are further collisions and fire.

  • Approach the scene with caution. Watch for spilt oil, fuel, or broken glass.

  • Switch off all engines.

  • If you have a vehicle, turn on your hazard warning lights to alert others.

  • Warn other traffic if you can do so safely.

  • Stop anyone from smoking near the scene.

  • Wear protective gloves from your first-aid kit, if available.

Get Help

If it’s safe, ask bystanders for assistance and call emergency services on 999 or 112 immediately.

Provide the operator with:

  • The exact location (including the direction of travel, e.g. “northbound”).

  • The number of vehicles involved.

  • The condition of casualties — such as anyone having difficulty breathing, bleeding heavily, trapped, or unresponsive.

Help Those Involved

  • Do not move casualties unless there’s an immediate threat (for example, from fire or traffic).

  • Do not remove a motorcyclist’s helmet unless absolutely necessary (for example, if they are not breathing).

  • Keep casualties warm, dry, and comfortable.

  • Stay calm and reassure them confidently.

  • Do not leave casualties alone or allow them to walk into danger.

  • Do not give them anything to eat or drink.

Providing Emergency Care: DR ABC

Follow the DR ABC steps when giving emergency care:

D – Danger

Ensure it is safe to approach the casualty.

R – Response

Check for a response by gently shaking their shoulders and asking loudly, “Are you alright?”
If they respond, look for visible injuries.

A – Airway

If there is no response, open their airway.
Tilt the head back gently by lifting the chin.

B – Breathing

Check if they are breathing normally:

  • Look for chest movement.

  • Listen and feel for breath on your cheek.

If they are not breathing, begin CPR immediately:

  • Place the heel of one hand on the centre of the chest, with the other on top.

  • Press down 5–6 cm, twice per second (around 100–120 compressions per minute).

  • For a child, use one hand and press less deeply.

  • For an infant, use two fingers and press down about one-third of the chest depth.
    Continue until they begin to breathe or medical help arrives.

C – Circulation / Bleeding

If the casualty is breathing, check for severe bleeding:

  • Protect yourself from blood exposure.

  • Do not remove objects embedded in wounds.

  • Apply pressure around the object using padding or cloth.

  • If nothing is embedded, apply firm, direct pressure to stop the bleeding.

  • Secure with a clean bandage or material when possible.

Unconscious but Breathing

If the casualty is breathing and not in immediate danger:

  • Do not move them unnecessarily — movement can worsen injuries.

  • If safe, place them in the recovery position:

  1. Lay the person on their back and kneel beside them.

  2. Place the arm nearest you at a right angle to their body.

  3. Bring the other arm across the chest and rest their hand against the opposite cheek.

  4. Grasp the far leg just above the knee, bend it, and pull it towards you.

  5. Roll them gently onto their side, ensuring the airway remains open.

  6. Monitor their breathing until help arrives.

Do not remove a motorcyclist’s helmet unless they’re not breathing.

Dealing with Shock

Shock can develop after an injury or trauma and may not be immediately obvious.

Common signs include:

  • Pale or grey skin

  • Cold, clammy skin

  • Rapid, shallow breathing

  • Weak or fast pulse

  • Confusion or disorientation

  • Yawning or sighing

  • Loss of consciousness (in severe cases)

What to do:

  • Do not give food or drink.

  • Lay the person down with their legs raised to improve blood flow.

  • Call 999 or 112, and explain you believe they’re in shock.

  • Loosen tight clothing around the neck, chest, and waist.

  • Keep them warm, calm, and reassured — fear and pain can make shock worse.

  • Continue to monitor breathing and pulse.

  • If they lose consciousness, follow DR ABC steps.

  • If they become hysterical, speak calmly and firmly.

Burns

  • Extinguish any flames — protect yourself first.

  • Cool the burn immediately with plenty of clean, cool water for at least 20 minutes.

  • Do not remove anything stuck to the burn.

  • Cover the burn loosely with cling film or a clean, non-fluffy cloth.

Be Prepared

  • Always carry a first-aid kit in your vehicle — it could save a life.

  • Take a first-aid course from a recognised organisation such as:

    • St John Ambulance

    • St Andrew’s First Aid

    • British Red Cross

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