37.26. How should first aid be provided for angina pectoris (chest pain) while on the road?
UAЯк надати домедичну допомогу при стенокардії (біль у серці) в дорозі?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about road safety and the correct actions a driver should take when a passenger or another person suddenly becomes ill. The theoretical test checks not only knowledge of maneuvers or signs, but also basic readiness to act safely and responsibly in critical situations, particularly when a heart attack is suspected, where any delay or incorrect actions can worsen the condition.
In terms of content, this question relates to Section 2 "Duties and Rights of Drivers" (item 2.10 regarding the need to take possible measures to provide first aid and ensure the call for emergency medical assistance), and is also logically connected with Section 31 "Technical Condition of Vehicles and Their Equipment" (item 31.4.7 about equipping the vehicle with a medical first aid kit). That is, the traffic rules require the driver not to continue driving "by force," but to organize help: reduce the load on the heart, ensure normal breathing, and use a fast-acting remedy that is used for angina.
The analysis of answer options comes down to the practical logic of first aid. Actions such as dousing with cold water and ammonia are more related to fainting or sudden dizziness, but do not eliminate the cause of angina and are not a priority in cases of pressing chest pain and shortness of breath. Instead, the correct course of action within this theoretical block of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine is: seat the person comfortably (semi-sitting), loosen tight clothing and ensure access to fresh air, and also use nitroglycerin or validol under the tongue for a faster effect, if the victim is conscious and does not object. If the pain does not subside or lasts longer than a typical attack, it is necessary to immediately call emergency medical assistance, as it may not be angina but a heart attack.
Clause 2.10 (Section 2 "Duties and Rights of Drivers", actions of the driver in case of involvement in a 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 (ensure the call of) emergency medical assistance.
Brief application to the question: the exam question checks the understanding of the driver's duty to organize/provide pre-medical assistance to a person who has become ill on the road (ensure conditions for breathing and use available first aid kit means if necessary/as instructed by the victim).
Clause 31.4.7 (Section 31 "Technical condition of vehicles and their equipment")
Motor vehicles must be equipped, in particular, with a medical first aid kit (as well as other means provided by the Traffic Rules).
Brief application to the question: the presence of a medical first aid kit in the vehicle is a basic condition for providing pre-medical assistance on the road (in particular, when it comes to heart pain/angina and the use of medications that may be in the first aid kit or with the victim).
That is, the correct answer is "Ensure access to air for the patient, give him/her a nitroglycerin (validol) tablet under the tongue.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the driver is obliged to take possible measures to provide pre-medical assistance, and the vehicle must be equipped with a medical first aid kit.
On the road, an angina attack usually manifests as a sudden squeezing or burning pain behind the breastbone, a feeling of shortness of breath, and anxiety. This often happens after physical exertion or intense emotional stress. For the driver, the main task at this moment is not to continue driving and to create conditions to reduce the load on the heart and prevent the condition from worsening.
The first practical step of first aid is to ensure calm and access to fresh air. Help the person to sit down or take a semi-sitting position, unbutton the collar, loosen the belt or tight clothing, and open a window. This is logical because during angina, the heart temporarily lacks oxygen due to insufficient coronary blood flow, and additional physical strain or suffocation only intensifies the pain and risks.
The second key step is to give medication that acts quickly during such an attack. Nitroglycerin (or validol, which is traditionally mentioned in educational materials and was included in first aid kits) is placed under the tongue so the drug is absorbed faster and can relieve the pain. It is important that the person does not stand up abruptly after taking it, as dizziness is possible; therefore, it is safer to keep them in a semi-sitting position and monitor their condition.
Thus, the correct answer in the test comes down to two simple and logical actions: ease breathing and use a medication that is used to relieve an angina attack and has a rapid effect when dissolved under the tongue.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Ensure access to air for the patient, give them a nitroglycerin (validol) tablet under the tongue," since with angina it is necessary to reduce the load on the heart, improve oxygen supply, and give a fast-acting remedy that is traditionally used to relieve an attack.