37.16. Procedure in case of massive arterial bleeding:
UAПорядок дій при масивній артеріальній кровотечі:
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety in the context of first aid after a traffic accident. It checks whether the driver understands that in cases of critical injuries, time is of the essence: massive arterial bleeding can lead to death within minutes, so the primary goal of a witness or participant in the incident is to quickly and reliably stop the blood loss, and only then organize further actions.
In the theoretical exam, this topic is related to the requirements of the traffic rules regarding the driver's duties in the event of involvement in a traffic accident, in particular, point 2.10: to take possible measures to provide first aid and to call (or organize a call for) emergency medical assistance. The practical meaning here is as follows: in the presence of signs of massive arterial bleeding, the priority is the temporary stoppage of bleeding with a tourniquet, mandatory recording of the time of application (so that medics understand the duration of compression), and only after that — calling 103, since even with the bleeding stopped, the victim requires urgent professional treatment.
The analysis of the answer options shows the logic of priorities. The option with calling 103 before applying a pressure bandage is dangerous because in the case of massive arterial bleeding, a bandage may be insufficient, and the time lost on the call can cost a life. The option with calling 103 before applying a tourniquet is also incorrect for the same reason: first, you must immediately stop the bleeding, and only then make the call. The correct order of actions in this exam question reflects the basic principle of first aid at the scene of a traffic accident: stop critical blood loss with a tourniquet, record the time of application for the EMS team, and after stabilizing the situation, organize the call to 103.
Clause 2.10 (driver's duties in case of involvement in a road traffic accident)
In case of involvement in a road traffic accident, the driver is obliged, in particular, to take possible measures to provide pre-medical assistance to the victims and to call (organize the call of) emergency medical services.
Brief explanation of the application of the clause: this exam question checks the practical meaning of the traffic rule requirement "to take possible measures to provide pre-medical assistance" (for massive arterial bleeding, such a primary measure is the temporary stoppage of bleeding with a tourniquet with time fixation), as well as the obligation to organize the call of emergency medical services (103).
Thus, the correct answer is "Apply a tourniquet, indicate the time of application, call 103," given that by the definition of the Traffic Rules, in the event of an accident, the driver is obliged to immediately take possible measures to provide pre-medical assistance to the victims and organize the call of emergency medical services.
Massive arterial bleeding is one of the most dangerous conditions in a traffic accident because blood is lost very quickly. In such a situation, the main task of the driver or witness providing first aid is to immediately stop the blood loss, without wasting time on secondary actions.
The first step is to apply a tourniquet. This is done when the blood is "spurting" in a pulsating stream or quickly soaks through bandages, and simple pressure or a tight bandage is not enough. The tourniquet is applied above the site of injury on the limb to block arterial blood flow and buy time until medics arrive. For example, in the case of a deep wound to the forearm or thigh, the tourniquet is the most reliable way to quickly stop massive bleeding.
The second step is to be sure to indicate the time the tourniquet was applied. This is not "just for formality," but for the safety of the victim: prolonged compression of tissues can cause serious consequences, and the emergency medical team must know exactly how long the tourniquet has been in place. In practice, the time is written on a piece of paper and placed so that medics can see the information immediately.
The third step is to call 103. Even if the bleeding has been stopped, the victim needs professional medical help, as they may have already lost a significant amount of blood, and there may be other injuries not immediately apparent. Calling emergency services is the logical completion of the initial actions after reliably stopping the bleeding.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Apply a tourniquet, indicate the time of application, call 103," since in the case of massive arterial bleeding, the decisive actions are immediate stoppage of blood loss, recording the time for medics, and the fastest possible involvement of emergency medical assistance.