37.22. How should first aid be provided in case of food poisoning while on the road?
UAЯк надати домедичну допомогу в разі харчового отруєння в дорозі?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine checks not only knowledge of first aid, but also understanding of the safety principle: in case of a sudden deterioration of well-being on the road, the driver may pose a danger to themselves and others. In the theoretical exam, it is important to demonstrate that you know how to act correctly when experiencing symptoms of poisoning: first, ensure a safe emergency stop, and only then provide assistance, reducing the risk of complications.
In terms of content, this question belongs to the sections of the traffic rules that relate to the driver's duties and emergency stopping: the definition of "Emergency stop" (point 1.10), the prohibition of driving in a sick state (point 2.9), as well as requirements for marking the vehicle during an emergency stop (points 9.9–9.10) and choosing a place to stop (point 15.1). The logic is simple: if there are signs of food poisoning, you cannot continue driving, so the correct course of action in this exam question starts with stopping in accordance with the rules, so as not to endanger other road users.
The analysis of the answer options comes down to the fact that the correct algorithm has two goals: to remove toxins and prevent dehydration. The option with "valerian and hot drinks" does not solve the main problem and may worsen the condition (coffee is not suitable in case of intoxication and fluid loss). The wording "either the first or the second" is incorrect, as it legitimizes the wrong tactic. Instead, the correct answer combines the safety part (stop) and the basic steps of first aid (drinking regime, stomach cleansing if necessary, sorbent), which corresponds to practice and the expected logic in the traffic rules exam.
Clause 1.10 (term "Forced stop")
Forced stop — cessation of movement of a vehicle due to its technical malfunction or danger created by the cargo, the condition of the driver (passenger), or an obstacle on the road.
Brief application: food poisoning worsens the driver's condition, so stopping in such a situation is directly classified as a "forced stop" under the Traffic Rules.
Clause 2.9 (subclause "v")
The driver is prohibited from: driving a vehicle while ill, fatigued, or under the influence of medications that reduce attention and reaction speed.
Brief application: in case of poisoning symptoms, continuing to drive is not allowed — you must stop.
Clause 9.9
The hazard warning lights must be switched on in case of a forced stop on the road.
Brief application: after stopping due to poisoning (forced), the driver must mark the vehicle by turning on the hazard warning lights.
Clause 9.10
A warning triangle or a flashing red light must be placed in case of a forced stop on the road.
Brief application: if the forced stop due to deterioration of condition occurred on the carriageway/in conditions of poor visibility, the vehicle must additionally be marked with a warning triangle (or red light).
Clause 15.1
Stopping and parking of vehicles must be carried out in specially designated places or on the shoulder, and if there are none — near the right edge of the carriageway.
Brief application: "to stop" means to do so safely and in accordance with the stopping rules, so as not to endanger other road users.
That is, the correct answer is "Stop. Drink plenty of fluids, induce vomiting, take activated charcoal," considering that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, deterioration of the driver's condition is grounds for a "forced stop," and driving while ill is prohibited; after stopping, the vehicle must be properly marked, while specific medical actions (fluids/vomiting/sorbent) refer to first aid and are not regulated by the Traffic Rules.
On the road, food poisoning is dangerous because symptoms can escalate quickly: nausea, weakness, dizziness, vomiting may appear, and sometimes the temperature rises. In this condition, the driver or passenger is unable to continue driving safely, so the first logical and correct step is to stop, so as not to create danger for yourself and other road users.
Next, first aid has two main goals: to remove toxins from the digestive tract and to prevent dehydration. That is why it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids in small portions. This compensates for water loss during vomiting or diarrhea and reduces the risk of a sudden deterioration in condition while on the road.
If there is suspicion that the poisoning is related to poor-quality food, it is important to remove it from the stomach as quickly as possible. For this, after drinking warm water, vomiting is induced artificially. This approach is aimed at mechanically cleansing the stomach so that toxic substances do not have time to be maximally absorbed into the body.
After cleansing the stomach, it is advisable to take a sorbent, the most typical option on the road being activated charcoal. Its purpose is to bind the remaining harmful substances in the digestive tract and reduce their further absorption. This is a logical addition to gastric lavage and the drinking regimen.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Stop. Drink plenty of fluids, induce vomiting artificially, take activated charcoal," because in case of food poisoning, you first need to stop for safety, then remove toxins from the stomach, bind them with a sorbent, and prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids.