Question 1

You find a colleague collapsed on deck. Before anything else, what should you check, in order?

Accepted Answer

Danger (is the scene safe for you to approach?), Response (are they conscious — talk and gently shake), Airway, Breathing, Circulation — the standard DRABC primary survey DRABC is the universally taught primary survey sequence in STCW Elementary First Aid. Checking for danger first protects you from becoming a second casualty — a very real risk in machinery spaces, near live electrics, or in a confined space with bad air. Only after danger and response are checked do you move to airway, breathing, and circulation.

Question 2

A crew member has a deep laceration to the forearm that is bleeding heavily. What is the correct immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound with a clean dressing or cloth, and maintain it continuously — elevate the limb above heart level if possible and there is no suspected fracture Direct, continuous pressure stops the vast majority of severe external bleeding. A tourniquet is reserved for catastrophic, life-threatening limb bleeding that direct pressure cannot control — it is a last resort, not a first response, because of the risk to the limb if left on too long. Washing a heavily bleeding wound before controlling the bleeding wastes critical time.

Question 3

A crew member suffers a steam burn to the hand. What is the correct first response?

Accepted Answer

Cool the burn under cool running water (not ice) for at least 10-20 minutes, remove any rings or jewellery before swelling starts, and cover loosely with a clean, non-fluffy dressing or cling film Cool running water for 10-20 minutes is the evidence-based first response to burns — it reduces depth of injury and pain. Ice causes further tissue damage through extreme vasoconstriction. Butter and oils trap heat and increase infection risk. Blisters should never be deliberately burst, as this increases infection risk and pain.