First aid for bleeding and shock

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The circulatory system

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> The heart is responsible for pumping

blood around the body

> Blood travels in arteries, veins and

capillaries

> Blood transports Oxygen and nutrients

around the body and helps remove waste

products

> An average adult has around 10 pints of

blood

Wound terminology

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Laceration: Tearing of the skin & tissue

Contusion: A bruise

Abrasion: Graze - loss of superficial layer of skin

Incision: A straight clean wound

Puncture: Caused by a sharp object> Object may still be in the wound (foreign / embedded object)

Photo: abrasion

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First aid for major blood loss

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1.Expose injury and elevate above level of heart

2.If there are no foreign objects, apply firm direct pressure over the wound

3.If there is an object, apply pressure around the foreign object

4.Call for emergency help

Useful mnemonic: PEEP

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PEEP is a way of remembering what to do if someone is bleeding.

P: Position the casualty in a position of restE: Elevate above the level of the heartE: Expose & examine the woundP: Pressure. Apply direct pressure.

What not to do

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Do not apply a tourniquet unless specifically trained to do so

Do not attempt to wash out a major wound – your aim is to control the bleeding

Shock (1)

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Shock is a medical emergency which can be caused by severe blood lossThe casualty does not receive enough oxygen due to the loss of bloodSigns & symptoms include:

●Pale clammy skin●Drowsiness ●Thirst●Confusion●Nausea & vomiting

Shock (2)

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If you suspect a casualty is suffering from shock then you should:

> Lie them down and raise their legsThis improves the blood flow to the vital organs

> Cover them with a blanket

> Call for emergency help if you haven’t already done so.

Photo: Treatment of shock

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Infection control

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> Try and keep the wound as clean as possible

> Try to avoid contact with the casualty’s blood●Wear disposable latex / nitrile gloves if available●If not, use any available items to create a barrier (e.g: a plastic

bag)

> Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water

afterwards

> Seek medical advice if you are concerned

First aid for minor wounds

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> Wear gloves if available> Clean the wound thoroughly with antiseptic wipes or saline> Do not remove any embedded objects (e.g: glass) – seek medical advice> Cover the wound using a clean dressing (plaster, non-adherent pad etc.)> Seek medical advice if there are any signs of infection – redness, swelling or the area is warm to the touch