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First Aid on the Road: Highway Code Annex 7 and DR ABC (GB)

First Aid on the Road: Highway Code Annex 7 and DR ABC (GB). Ambulances and a police car stopped on a residential street with the road taped off

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Annex 7 of the Highway Code for Great Britain sets out what to do at the scene of a collision until the emergency services arrive: deal with danger, get help, help those involved, and give emergency care using DR ABC. It is written for people with no first aid training and says it is no substitute for proper training. This page sets out the Annex in order for theory test revision, with the emergency priorities from current Resuscitation Council UK guidance. It is not first aid training. In a real emergency, call 999 and follow the call handler’s instructions.

The Annex 7 sequence at a glance

  1. Deal with danger
  2. Get help
  3. Help those involved
  4. Provide emergency care (DR ABC)
  5. Be prepared

Before you start: arriving at the scene (Rules 281 to 283)

  • Slow down in good time when you see an incident or flashing lights ahead, and be ready to change lane or stop. You MUST follow any directions from police or traffic officers (Rule 281).
  • If you stop to help, stop in a place of relative safety and use your hazard warning lights to warn other traffic (Rule 283).
  • If helping would put you in moving traffic, make the 999 call from a safe place instead. Never cross live motorway lanes to reach someone.
  • Move uninjured people away from the vehicles and traffic to somewhere safe (Rule 283). High-visibility clothing helps, but it does not make a dangerous spot safe.
  • If several people are there, ask one named person to call 999 and confirm they have done it, so nobody assumes someone else has.
  • If you are only driving past, keep your attention on the road. Do not slow down to look at a crash on the other side, and keep space for emergency vehicles.

1. Deal with danger

  • Further collisions and fire are the main dangers. Watch for spilled oil and broken glass too.
  • Switch off engines and, if possible, warn other traffic.
  • Switch on your hazard warning lights if you have a vehicle.
  • Stop anyone from smoking.
  • Wear gloves from your first aid kit if you have one.

2. Get help

  • Ask bystanders to help if it is safe.
  • Get someone to call 999 or 112 as soon as possible.
  • Give the exact location, including the direction of travel (for example northbound), and how many vehicles are involved.
  • Describe the casualties: for example difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding, trapped, or not responding.

Rule 283 also lists an emergency telephone or a vehicle SOS button as alternatives to a mobile phone for calling 999.

3. Help those involved

  • DO NOT move casualties still in vehicles unless further danger is threatened.
  • DO NOT remove a motorcyclist’s helmet unless it is essential.
  • DO NOT give them anything to eat or drink.
  • DO keep casualties warm, dry and as comfortable as you can.
  • DO give reassurance, and do not leave them alone or let them wander into traffic.

4. Provide emergency care: DR ABC

For the theory test, DR ABC stands for Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing and Circulation. It is a memory aid for your priorities at the scene, not a full first aid procedure.

Step What it means at the scene
Danger Make sure you are not in danger before you approach.
Response Speak to the casualty and check whether they respond. If they do not, call 999 or 112 straight away, on speaker if you can.
Airway Someone who does not respond needs an open airway to breathe. The call handler can talk you through this.
Breathing Check whether they are breathing normally while the call connects. Gasping, slow laboured breaths or panting in someone who does not respond are not normal breathing.
Circulation If the casualty responds and is breathing, check for bleeding and protect yourself from contact with blood.

If someone is not breathing normally

  • Call 999 or 112 straight away. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR immediately and follow the call handler’s instructions. If you are not sure whether the breathing is normal, the call handler can help; if in doubt, start CPR.
  • Ask someone to bring a defibrillator (AED) if there is one nearby. Anyone can use one: switch it on and follow its spoken prompts.
  • If you are not sure whether their breathing is normal, treat it as not normal and tell the call handler.
  • Someone who does not respond but is breathing normally still needs emergency help and close watching until it arrives, especially after a collision.

To learn CPR itself, take a first aid course (see Be prepared below).

Bleeding

  • Look for anything embedded in the wound, such as glass. Do not remove it; build up padding around it and do not press on it.
  • If nothing is embedded, apply firm pressure over the wound, then secure a pad with a bandage or cloth. Use the cleanest material available.

Burns

  • Put out any flames, taking care for your own safety.
  • Cool the burn with plenty of clean, cool water for at least 20 minutes.
  • Cover with cling film if available.
  • Do not try to remove anything sticking to the burn.

5. Be prepared

  • Always carry a first aid kit.
  • Learn first aid from a qualified organisation. Annex 7 names St John Ambulance, St Andrew’s First Aid and the British Red Cross.

Common questions

What does DR ABC stand for?

Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation (Annex 7).

Should I move someone injured in a crash?

Annex 7 says do not move casualties still in vehicles unless further danger is threatened.

Should I take off a motorcyclist’s helmet?

Not unless it is essential (Annex 7).

Can I give a casualty water?

No. Annex 7 says do not give them anything to eat or drink.

How long should I cool a burn?

At least 20 minutes with plenty of clean, cool water.

Is first aid in the theory test?

Yes. It is part of the incidents, accidents and emergencies topic.

Your legal duties after a collision (stopping, giving details, reporting): after a car accident in the UK. If you break down: what to do if your car breaks down. Back to the main guide: Learning to Drive in Great Britain.

Sources

  • Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Annex 7. First aid on the road” (gov.uk)
  • Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Breakdowns and incidents (275 to 287)” (gov.uk)
  • Resuscitation Council UK, “2025 Adult Basic Life Support Guidelines” (resus.org.uk)
  • Resuscitation Council UK, “2025 Paediatric Life Support Guidelines” (resus.org.uk)

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