External_bleeding
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Narrator: This video will demonstrate the management of an external bleed.
In any first aid situation, always ensure that the area is safe and follow D-R-A-B-C-D.
Check the area for DANGER - ensure that the area is safe, that there are no hazards to yourself or others.
Check for a RESPONSE and call for help.
Open the AIRWAY and clear if necessary.
Check for normal BREATHING. If the casualty is not breathing normally, give 2 rescue breaths.
Check for signs of life and if there are no signs of life commence CPR, with 30 COMPRESSIONS to 2 rescue breaths. Continue until help arrives.
If there are still no signs of life, attach an Automatic External DIFIBRILLATOR (or AED) if available, and follow the voice prompts.
To reduce the risk of cross infection it's important to use personal protective equipment where available.
These include the wearing of gloves and, where possible, face shields and protective eye goggles.
Other standard precautions may include washing your hands before and after managing the casualty, and asking the casualty to apply pressure to their own wound.
Inspect the wound for any foreign material, embedded objects or fractures.
If the situation involves an open fracture, ensure that the area is covered to prevent the risk of infection. Do not apply pressure to the open fracture.
If possible try to bring the wound edges together.
Place a clean or sterile pad directly over the injury and, if appropriate, ask the casualty to assist in applying direct pressure to the wound.
Next, apply a firm crepe bandage directly over the pad.
While the bandage needs to be firm enough to control bleeding, it should not be so tight that circulation will be affected beyond the bandaged position.
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Elevate the limb to reduce blood flow to the area.
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Continue to elevate and support the arm using an elevation sling.
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In this case scenario, the elevation sling is the most appropriate way to rest, support and elevate the injured hand above the level of the heart.
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Assess for and manage any other injuries ... including shock.
Provide reassurance, monitor D-R-A-B-C-D ensure that help is on the way.
You should continue to check the bandage for effectiveness.
If the bandage is too tight and limiting circulation, the casualty may experience tingling, numbness and blue discolouration to the limb beyond the bandaged position.
It may be necessary to reapply the bandage.
If the bandage is too loose and bleeding continues, apply a firm 2nd bandage over the existing one to control the bleed.
To summarise the main points ...
In any first aid situation, always ensure that the area is safe, follow D-R-A-B-C-D and call for help.
Inspect the wound for any foreign material, embedded objects or fractures.
Apply direct pressure over the wound.
Rest, support and elevate the affected part.
Assess for and manage any other injuries, including shock.
Reassure the casualty.
Until medical help is obtained, monitor the situation using D-R-A-B-C-D.
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