© St John Ambulance 2012 | Registered Charity No. 1077265/1

Bleeding and Shock

Bleeding and Shock

Please note:

Any deviation from the slides contained in the original presentation are not sanctioned by St John Ambulance. Individuals will be held personally liable for any information on additional slides added to this presentation.

Bleeding and Shock

Learning objectives

By the end of the session you will be able to:

• understand the risk of cross-infection and be able to minimise that risk

• recognise and respond appropriately to someone who has a severe bleed, an embedded object in a wound or an amputated limb or part of a limb

• recognise and understand the effects of shock and be able to respond appropriately

• check for further injuries and have an awareness of the signs and symptoms of internal bleeding.

Bleeding and Shock

Shock

What you will see:

• pale, cold, clammy skin (at first)

• grey-blue skin

• weakness and dizziness

• nausea and possibly vomiting.

Bleeding and Shock

Shock

What you should do:• treat any injuries that may have caused shock• help the casualty to lie down• raise and support the casualty’s legs, if possible• call 999/112 for an ambulance• loosen any tight clothing• keep the casualty warm• be prepared to resuscitate.

NOTE – be aware of the casualty’s age and ability to move when laying them down and raising their legs.

Bleeding and Shock

Severe bleed

What you will see:

• bleeding from a wound

• an object may sometimes be embedded in a wound

• signs of shock.

Bleeding and Shock

Severe bleed

What you should do:

• ask the casualty to apply pressure to the wound and raise the injured part, if possible. If an object is embedded in the wound, push the edges of the wound together.

• treat for shock and dial 999/112 for an ambulance

• put on disposable gloves, if available and expose the wound. Apply a sterile dressing.

Bleeding and Shock

Amputation

What you will see:

• a severed limb or part of a limb

• signs of shock.

Bleeding and Shock

Amputation

What you should do:

• put on disposable gloves, if available

• apply pressure and raise the injured part. Apply a sterile dressing.

• treat for shock and dial 999/112 for an ambulance

• wrap the severed part in cling film or a plastic bag

• wrap the package in soft fabric and place in a container of crushed ice

• label and hand to the emergency services.

Bleeding and Shock

Internal bleeding

What you will see:

• bleeding from body openings

• ‘pattern bruising’

• signs of shock.

Bleeding and Shock

Internal bleeding

What you should do:

• treat as for shock

• dial 999 or 112 for an ambulance.