37.44. In the presence of wounds in the head area, under no circumstances should you:
UAЗа наявності ран у ділянці голови у жодному разі не можна:
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety through the correct actions of a driver after a traffic accident and the basic principles of first aid. In real situations, mistakes made during “help” can worsen the victim’s condition, especially when it comes to head injuries, where there are high risks of bleeding and complications. That is why the theoretical exam includes not only maneuvers and signs, but also safe driver behavior in critical situations.
The question checks the understanding of the driver’s duties according to the traffic rules, in particular, the content of point 2.10 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about the need to take possible measures to provide first aid and call medical professionals. Although the traffic rules do not describe medical protocols step by step, the logic of the requirement is simple: act in a way that does not cause harm. For injuries in the head area, this means minimizing any manipulation of the wound and avoiding actions that could increase bleeding or further injure the tissues.
Each of the listed options describes a dangerous action. Palpation (probing) and pressing on the wound can dislodge clots, increase bleeding, and worsen the injury, even if the wound seems minor. The use of aggressive antiseptics such as alcohol, iodine, or “brilliant green” on an open head wound can cause chemical irritation or tissue burns and complicate healing; it is also important not to try to remove foreign objects, if present, so as not to cause sudden bleeding. That is why the correct conclusion in this exam question is that all the listed actions are unacceptable.
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 to: ... take possible measures to provide pre-medical assistance to the victims, call an emergency (ambulance) medical team..."
This clause of the Traffic Rules checks the driver's obligation to organize/provide pre-medical assistance to the victim. Specific prohibitions for head wounds (not to press/not to "probe" the wound, not to pour alcohol/iodine/brilliant green, not to remove foreign objects, etc.) are not separately detailed in the Traffic Rules, but are included in the concept of "pre-medical assistance," which must be provided in such a way as not to worsen the victim's condition.
Clause 1.10 (the term "Road Traffic Accident")
"A road traffic accident is an event that occurred during the movement of a vehicle, as a result of which people were killed or injured or material damage was caused."
This term sets the context for applying the driver's duties from clause 2.10 of the Traffic Rules (in particular, regarding the provision of pre-medical assistance to the injured).
Thus, the correct answer is "All answers are correct," 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, and the listed actions for head wounds may worsen the victim's condition and are therefore unacceptable.
When the victim has a wound in the head area, the main task of first aid according to the Traffic Rules of Ukraine regarding pre-medical assistance at the scene of an accident is not to worsen the condition or provoke additional bleeding or complications. Any unnecessary actions with such a wound can cause harm, so the approach must be as careful as possible.
Firstly, you must not examine the wound with your hands, probe its edges, or press on the injured area. Even if the wound seems small, pressing or "checking" it can increase bleeding, worsen tissue injury, and raise the risk of complications.
Secondly, it is forbidden to try to remove foreign objects from the wound (for example, a piece of glass or metal). Such an object may be partially blocking a blood vessel, and its removal could cause severe bleeding and worsen the victim's condition. In such a situation, the correct tactic is to secure a bandage so as not to move the object and not to press on it.
Thirdly, you should not treat a head wound with alcohol, iodine, brilliant green, or similar substances. These liquids can damage tissues, cause chemical irritation, and complicate healing. In practical terms, this means that instead of "pouring" antiseptics into the wound, you should focus on safely covering the wound with a clean napkin or bandage without aggressive treatment.
Therefore, the correct answer is "All answers are correct," since with head wounds you must not press or probe the wound, must not remove foreign objects, and must not treat it with alcohol or iodine-containing/coloring agents, in order not to cause additional injury or complications.