37.24. In the absence of breathing in the casualty, you should:
UAЗа відсутності дихання в потерпілого потрібно:
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety in terms of the driver's actions after a traffic accident and the provision of first aid. In a real situation, the first minutes after an accident are often decisive: the absence of normal breathing indicates a critical condition, where any delay reduces the chances of survival. Therefore, when preparing for the theoretical exam, it is important not only to memorize the correct answer but also to understand the logic of urgent actions.
The question tests knowledge of the sections of the traffic rules regarding the driver's duties in the event of involvement in an accident and the definition of first aid (terminology and the requirement to "take possible measures"). According to the content of the Traffic Rules, first aid means urgent actions before the arrival of medical professionals, and when there is no breathing, such actions are basic resuscitation measures. In practice, this means quickly ensuring airway access, assessing the condition, and if there is no normal breathing, proceeding to resuscitation without unnecessary delay.
The analysis of the answer options comes down to time priorities. Prolonged checking of the pulse on the radial artery can take critical seconds and is not a key action in the obvious absence of breathing; the main thing is to immediately support vital functions. The advice to use ammonia does not correspond to the logic of first aid in case of respiratory arrest, as it does not restore breathing and circulation. Instead, the correct tactic for this exam question is to immediately start cardiopulmonary resuscitation and simultaneously organize a call for emergency medical assistance, which fully complies with the requirements of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine and the practice of providing aid before the arrival of medical professionals.
Clause 1.10 (the term “First aid”)
First aid — urgent actions and organizational measures carried out at the scene by persons without medical education, but who have undergone appropriate training, in order to preserve the life and health of the victim until the arrival of medical workers (provision of medical care).
Clause 2.10 (subclause “g” — driver’s duties in case of involvement in a traffic accident)
In case of involvement in a road traffic accident, the driver is obliged to: take possible measures to provide first aid to the victims, call (if possible) emergency medical services, and, if necessary, organize the transportation of victims to a healthcare facility.
Brief explanation of the application of the clause: absence of breathing is a condition that directly threatens life, so “take possible measures to provide first aid” in practice means immediately starting basic resuscitation measures (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) until the arrival of medical personnel.
Therefore, the correct answer is “Start performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation,” given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, first aid is urgent action to preserve life until medical personnel arrive, and clause 2.10 directly obliges the driver to take possible measures to provide such assistance to the victim.
In a road traffic accident situation, the most dangerous condition is the stoppage or absence of normal breathing. If a person is not breathing, the body stops receiving oxygen, and every minute counts. Therefore, delaying actions or 'waiting for it to pass' can cost the victim their life.
As a driver, you are obliged to be able to provide pre-medical assistance within your capabilities and immediately call emergency services. The practical meaning of this rule is simple: first ensure safety, then quickly assess the victim's condition, and if there is no breathing, proceed to resuscitation actions.
Before starting active assistance, it is advisable to lay the victim on a flat, hard surface, ensure access to air, and loosen clothing that constricts the neck or chest. You should also make sure that the upper airways are not blocked by foreign matter (for example, vomit), and position the head to open the airways. These steps should be done quickly to avoid wasting time.
If after this there is still no normal breathing, the correct tactic for a non-professional at the scene is not to waste precious seconds on dubious checks, but to immediately begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Its purpose is to temporarily replace vital functions: to ensure blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain until spontaneous breathing is restored or medical professionals arrive.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Start performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation," because in the absence of breathing, it is necessary to immediately perform actions that support circulation and oxygen supply, without wasting time on waiting or secondary checks.