14: bleeds
suggested answers
1)
| 1st aid response | |
6 |
Reassure the injured person. |
4 |
Stop the bleeding by direct pressure, preferably using something sterile, or at least something clean. |
7 |
Ask how the injury happened. |
5 |
Elevate the injured body part (if you can). |
1 |
Check for dangers. If necessary, remove the danger or remove the injured person from danger. |
9 |
Make sure the injured person is resting comfortably. |
2 |
Check for response. (If the injured person is blaspheming loudly, you already have a response!) |
3 |
Check airways, breathing & circulation. |
8 |
Ring/go/send for help. |
10 |
Monitor for shock (e.g. the injured person feeling faint). |
Note:
a) The order of things may vary depending on the circumstances. (For example,
if there are a number of “1st aiders,” someone might immediately
call for help.)
b) Some steps can be conducted simultaneously (e.g. reassurance begins with
checking for response).
c) Some steps can be “skipped” (e.g. you don’t need to immediately
manually check breathing & circulation if the injured person is conscious
& communicative).
It follows from the above that there is room for healthy discussion about the specifics of responding to bleeds & other serious injuries.
2) Shock is a serious, often life-threatening medical condition where insufficient blood flow reaches the body tissues.
3) Signs & symptoms of shock include cold, clammy skin, pale skin colour, a weak, rapid pulse, faintness or dizziness, nausea & (in severe shock) restlessness, thirst, rapid breathing, drowsiness &/or confusion.
4) Elevating legs helps the blood return to the head & the body’s core.
5) The risk of infection can be reduced by:
a) wearing clean disposable gloves
b) using sterile equipment (e.g. tweezers)
c) applying sterile dressings to cover wounds
d) irrigating with preferably sterile or clean water
e) taking care not to kick up dust, etc.
f) avoiding coughing, sneezing or breathing close to the wound
Note that some 1st aid organisations have questioned the value of antiseptic lotions & alcohol wipes, claiming that they do not promote healing.
6) Systemic infection is usually more serious than local infection because systemic infection can be life-threatening.
7) Wounds that are locally infected are usually painful & tender, swollen & inflamed & pussy (as in pus).
8) Antibiotics are normally prescribed for bacterial infection. Antibiotics
have no benefit in the treatment of viral infections.
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