HLTAID003 – Provide First AidSlideshow 5

Shock, Wounds and Bleeding

Shock, Wounds and Bleeding

Shock occurs when there is a drop in the supply of oxygen to the body tissues due to in sufficient circulation. Causes of shock can include: bleeding, plasma loss due to burns, fluid loss due to dehydration, vomiting, diarrhoea, reduced pumping ability of the heart, pooling of the blood in the peripheral vessels and emotional trauma.

Shock, Wounds and Bleeding

Signs and Symptoms• Rapid or weak pulse• Pale, cool, sweaty skin• Rapid, shallow breathing• Feeling dizzy or light headed• Feeling anxious or restless• Nausea or vomiting• Feeling thirsty• Possible pain• Feeling confused• Deteriorating level of consciousness

Shock, Wounds and Bleeding

Steps to assist the casualty• Control any bleeding• Call ambulance• If casualty in unconscious follow Basic Life

Support steps• Reassure casualty• Assist them to rest in a comfortable position• Maintain their body temperature• Monitor and record vital sins• Give oxygen is available and safe to do so

External Bleeding

• Bleeding is the escape of blood outside the veins, arteries and capillaries, caused by damage or a rupture.

• It is important to control any bleeding and limit the amount of blood loss as quickly as possible. Large amount of blood loss can be life threatening. External bleeding is usually easily to see. The best way to control bleeding is to apply direct pressure to the wound site.

• When controlling bleeding from a casualty ensure you follow the standard precautions to reduce the risk of cross infection.

External Bleeding

Signs and Symptoms

• Visible blood loss from one or more wounds

• Pain at site of wound

• Signs and symptoms of shock

External Bleeding

Steps to assist casualty• Identify location and size of the wound• Identify if there is an embedded object/s in the wound• Check for possible fractures• Apply and maintain direct pressure to the wound to stop bleeding (use a

sterile or clean pad where possible)• If there is nothing available, use your hands to apply pressure• Call and ambulance is wound is severe• Elevate wound if possible• Restrict movement of injured area• Reassure casualty• Monitor and record vital signs• Give oxygen if available and safe to do so• Seek medical aid

Embedded object in wound

• If there is an object embedded in the wound, it may not be possible to apply direct pressure on to the wound to control bleeding. You will need to apply indirect pressure around the wound to slow the flow of blood and assist in the natural clotting process.

Embedded object in wound

Steps to assist casualty• Identify location and size of the wound• Do not remove the embedded object• Use pads, dressing and bandages to apply and maintain

pressure around the object• Call ambulance• Elevate wound if possible• Restrict movement of injured area• Reassure casualty• Monitor and record vital signs• Give oxygen if available and safe to do so• Seek medical aid

Internal bleeding

• Internal bleeding may be difficult to recognise. You should always suspect to when a casualty shows signs and symptoms of shock or has been involved in an incident that may have caused internal injuries.

Internal bleeding

Signs and Symptoms• History of incident likely to cause internal injuries• Medical condition likely to cause internal injuries• Shock• Pain, tenderness or swelling around the injured area• Blood coming from any body opening including:

– Bright red or frothy blood coughed up from lungs– Vomit containing bright or dark blood– Blood stained urine or stools– Vaginal bleeding– Rectal bleeding (bright red or black)

Internal bleeding

Steps to assist casualty

• Call ambulance

• Follow Basic Life Support steps

• Reassure casualty and try to keep them comfortable

• Treat casualty for shock Monitor and record vital signs

• Give oxygen if available and safe to do so

• Do not give any food or drink

Amputations

• It is important to remain calm in a situation where a body part has been amputated. You must always care for the casualty before looking for the amputated part. Ensure when you are recovering the amputated part you do not put yourself in danger.

• If the amputated body part is in gloves or footwear- do not remove it.

Amputations

Steps to assist casualty

• Casualty– Control the bleeding by applying direct pressure to

the injured area

– If possible elevate the area

– Call ambulance

– Reassure the casualty

– Treat them for shock

– Monitor and record their vital signs

– Give oxygen if available and safe to do so

Amputations

• Amputated part

– Keep the part as clean, cool and dry as possible

– If possible:

– Put part in clean plastic bad

– Inflate and seal bag

– Put sealed bag in ice water

– Do not wash part or allow to get wet

– Do not pack part directly in the ice

Nose bleeds

• Nose bleeds can occur for various reasons. They usually respond well to first aid. Unless you suspect the nose bleed may be caused by a head injury or high blood pressure, you should seek medical aid.

Nose bleeds

Steps to assist the casualty• Call ambulance if the nose bleed is caused by a head injury• Pinch together the soft part of the nose (below the bridge)

and hold pressure for 10 minutes• Have the casualty lean forward and breathe through their

mouth and spit out any blood• Have the casualty rest for 10 minutes. Rest the casualty for

up to 20 minutes post exercise or on a hot day• If the bleed continues for longer than 20 minutes seek medical aid

Minor Wounds

• To classify as a minor wound the site a usually less than 2.5cm in length, shallow with only superficial damage to the skin. Bleeding is minimal and stops quickly.

Minor Wounds

• Minor wounds do not automatically require medical attention, however if you are unsure of the severity of the injury or the site is showing signs of infection or has a high risk of infection you should seek medical advice.

Minor Wounds

• Steps to assist the casualty

• Assess the severity of the wound

• Clean the wound with saline of clean warm water

• Cover with a sterile non-stick dressing

• If necessary seek medical advice

Assessment Task

• Please proceed to the Assessment Task