37.20. How should first aid be provided in case of poisoning by gasoline vapors?
UAЯк надати домедичну допомогу в разі отруєння випарами бензину?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns not maneuvers or signs, but safety and first aid in road situations. Poisoning by gasoline vapors can occur during a traffic accident, car repair, at a gas station, or in a closed garage, where vapors quickly accumulate and cause dizziness, nausea, loss of coordination, and in severe cases — loss of consciousness and respiratory depression. It is important for the driver to understand that the main danger here is oxygen deprivation and the risk of respiratory arrest.
The question tests the section of the traffic rules regarding the driver's duties, in particular the requirement to take possible measures to provide first aid to victims (item 2.10 (d), section 2 "Duties and rights of drivers of motor vehicles"). In the theoretical exam, the logic of priority actions is assessed: first, stop the effect of toxic vapors, then support vital functions and, if necessary, restore breathing before the arrival of medical professionals.
The correct algorithm in the answers combines three key steps: move the victim to fresh air (to stop further poisoning), keep them warm (to prevent hypothermia and support blood circulation), and perform artificial respiration in case of impaired or absent breathing. The option with gastric lavage does not correspond to the situation of inhaling vapors and may be dangerous due to risks in an unconscious person. The answer suggesting only fresh air and hot tea is incomplete: warm drinks are only possible if the person is conscious, but they do not replace breathing control and do not solve the critical problem in case of respiratory depression, so it is the set of actions with breathing support that is correct within the traffic rules.
Clause 2.10 (d) — 2 "Duties and rights of drivers of motor vehicles" (actions of the driver in case of involvement in a traffic accident)
"...take possible measures to provide pre-medical assistance to the victims, call for emergency medical assistance..."
Explanation of the application of the clause: The Traffic Rules do not detail specific medical algorithms (in particular, in case of poisoning by gasoline vapors), but they directly require the driver to take possible measures for pre-medical assistance. Actions such as "take the person out into fresh air, keep them warm, perform artificial respiration" are precisely the primary measures in case of respiratory/consciousness impairment due to toxic vapors.
Thus, the correct answer is "Take the patient out into fresh air, keep them warm, perform artificial respiration," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the driver is obliged to take possible measures to provide pre-medical assistance to the victims.
When a person inhales gasoline fumes (for example, in a closed garage, near spilled fuel, or during repairs), toxic vapors quickly enter the lungs and, through the bloodstream, affect the nervous system and breathing. Initially, this may manifest as dizziness, nausea, impaired coordination, and behavior "similar to intoxication," and in more severe cases—as loss of consciousness and depressed breathing. Therefore, the main danger here is lack of oxygen and respiratory arrest/weakening.
The first and most important step of first aid is to stop the effect of the poisonous substance. To do this, the casualty should be quickly taken or led out of the place where there are gasoline fumes, into fresh air. If the person remains in the contaminated area, the poisoning will continue, and the condition may quickly worsen even with proper further assistance.
Next, the casualty should be warmed. After intoxication and oxygen deprivation, the body is less able to maintain normal temperature; chills and general weakness are possible. Warmth (covering, protection from cold) helps support vital functions and prevents additional complications from hypothermia.
If breathing is impaired, shallow, or absent, urgent respiratory support is needed—artificial respiration. The logic is simple: from gasoline vapor poisoning, a person may lose the ability to breathe normally, and without restoring lung ventilation, the brain and heart very quickly begin to suffer from lack of oxygen. Therefore, restoring or supporting breathing is the key action until medical professionals arrive.
Thus, the correct answer is: "Take the patient out into fresh air, keep them warm, perform artificial respiration," because in case of poisoning by gasoline fumes, it is first necessary to stop the effect of toxic vapors, support the body's normal state with warmth, and, if needed, immediately restore breathing.