Should a casualty eat or drink?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only water
• D. Only milk

Answer: (B)

Protecting the airway by not giving anything by mouth to someone who cannot safely swallow is the key idea. When a casualty is unconscious or not fully alert, their swallowing reflex is impaired, so food or liquid can enter the airway and cause choking or aspiration into the lungs. Vomiting further increases the risk of material being drawn into the lungs, which can lead to serious complications and complicate resuscitation.

Therefore, in an emergency, the safest rule is not to give food or drink. If the casualty later regains consciousness and can swallow safely, giving small sips of water may be considered, but in the initial serious scenario the correct approach is no food or drink. Giving only water or only milk does not change the risk in someone who may not protect their airway, so those options aren’t appropriate in this context.