Bleeding & Shock
What you student's should be able to do / understand after the session:
Blood Loss & Control of Bleeding:
- Understands that volume of blood loss is very significant to deterioration of a casualty
- Understands that a casualties past medical history may be very significant, including medication such as aspirin or warfarin
- Knowledge of different types of bleeding
- Knowledge of the need to take universal precautions when treating wounds
- Understands that the main method of treating bleeding is direct pressure
- Can apply a pressure dressing effectively, including improvised bandages
- Understands that an embedded object should not be removed
- Can use a trauma dressing effectively
- Understands that an uncontrolled rapidly flowing or spurting bleed is life-threatening
- Knowledge of the use of haemostatic dressings to pack a wound and tourniquets in the case of an uncontrolled life-threatening bleed
- Can treat and position a casualty appropriately
Recognition of internal Bleeding:
- Understands that internal bleeding can be life threatening
- Knowledge of how an internal bleed might occur
- Can recognise the signs of an internal bleed
- Can treat and position a casualty appropriately
Minor wounds & bleeding first aid:
- Wash hands or wear gloves (if available) to prevent infection
- Examine wound (remove any foreign objects)
- Clean wound area (sterile wipes, under tap, or with bottled water)
- Dry area with sterile swab (pat dry)
- Apply sterile dressing
- If blood soaks through apply a second dressing
- If doesn't stop bleeding call 111 (or consider if visit to minor injuries unit is needed)
Severe wounds & bleeding first aid:
- Contact emergency services immediately.
- Wear gloves (if available) to prevent infection.
- Use sterile dressing, apply pressure to wound to stop bleed (approx 10mins)
- Secure dressing with bandage (not too tight!)
- If bleed through 1st dressing, apply a 2nd. If bleed through both, remove and replace both with a new dressing. Keep applying pressure to wound. Check circulation every 10mins.
Bleeding & Shock first aid:
- If blood loss is severe, help prevent casualty from going into shock. Assist them to lie down and raise their legs to above heart level. Loosen any tight clothing from around waist, chest or neck. Keep them warm. See more info in 'medical shock' section.
- If casualty becomes unresponsive and stops breathing normally start CPR
