37.58. If the casualty in a road traffic accident has wounds in the head area, it is necessary to:
UAЗа наявності у постраждалого в ДТП ран у ділянці голови необхідно:
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning road safety after a traffic accident and the basics of first aid. The theoretical test checks not only knowledge of signs or priorities, but also whether the driver understands their role in preserving the life and health of people until medical professionals arrive.
The question tests the section of the traffic rules about accidents and the driver's duties, specifically the definition of a traffic accident (point 1.10) and the requirement to take possible measures to provide first aid (point 2.10). In the case of a head wound, the most correct tactic within the safe actions of a driver or witness is to cover the wound with a clean (preferably sterile) material and carefully secure the bandage so that it holds but does not compress the tissues. This simultaneously protects the wound from contamination and helps reduce bleeding without risking aggravation of possible hidden injuries.
The analysis of the answers in this exam question shows why delicacy is important: the option with a tight bandage and active use of antiseptics can be harmful, as excessive pressure in the head area increases pain and swelling and can potentially worsen the condition in case of a traumatic brain injury, while treating with antiseptics is not a primary action at the scene of an accident. The option with constant strong pressing "until the bleeding stops completely" is also dangerous due to the risk of additional injury; instead, the correct approach within the traffic rules is to apply gauze and secure it without excessive pressure, while simultaneously organizing a call for an ambulance and monitoring the victim's condition.
Clause 1.10 (the term “Road Traffic Accident”)
Road traffic accident — 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.
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 ambulance, and also notify the police.
This clause of the Traffic Rules checks that the driver in the event of an accident must perform actions to provide pre-medical assistance to the victims, within the limits of possibility and without worsening their condition; applying a bandage in case of a head wound is one of the typical measures of pre-medical assistance to stop/reduce bleeding and protect the wound.
That is, the correct answer is “Apply a gauze bandage and secure it without creating excessive pressure,” given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, a driver involved in a road traffic accident is obliged to take possible measures to provide pre-medical assistance to the victims.
When a casualty in a traffic accident has a wound in the head area, the first task of the person providing assistance is to carefully reduce bleeding while not causing harm. That is why actions must be as delicate as possible: large blood vessels pass near the head area, and there may also be hidden injuries to the skull bones or brain, which can easily be worsened by improper pressure.
The safest method in this situation is to cover the wound with a clean (preferably sterile) material and secure it as a dressing. A gauze dressing protects the wound from contamination, partially reduces bleeding, and helps maintain the victim's stable condition until medical personnel arrive. For example, if there is a cut on the forehead or parietal area and blood is oozing, applying gauze and gently securing it with a bandage allows you to control the situation without unnecessary risks.
The key requirement is not to create excessive pressure. Unlike, say, a wound on a limb, where stronger compression is sometimes needed, in the case of the head, excessive tightening can increase pain, cause more swelling, provoke additional bleeding from deeper tissues, or worsen the condition in the event of a possible traumatic brain injury. Therefore, the dressing is secured so that it stays in place and covers the wound, but does not compress the tissues.
Thus, the correct answer is "Apply a gauze dressing and secure it without creating excessive pressure," as this allows you to protect the wound and reduce bleeding without worsening possible injuries in the head area.