First Aid

First Aid CARE AND TREATMENT for External Bleeding

This segment reminds us that bleeding is one of the most common causes of death in accidents. To under estimate this would be to place another in possible grave danger. Nursing Australia suggests all first aiders should treat any bleeding with suspicion until medical assistance arrives.

a) LIFE THREATENING BLEEDING

SRABC Call for an ambulance as soon as possible
Expose the wound
Check the wound for visible foreign bodies
Apply a dressing
Apply direct pressure over the wound with a sterile or clean pad
Lay the casualty down if not already in this position
Raise and support the injured part of above the level of the heart if possible
Apply a firm bandage to hold the pad in place
Treat for shock if required
Check circulation regularly to ensure bandage is not too tight
If unable to stop the bleeding consider a constrictive bandage
Cut or remove all clothing from around upper limb
Ensure that the constrictive bandage can be easily seen
Select a firm wide bandage (minimum 7.5cm) that is not too elastic
Apply bandage firmly to limb and tighten until bleeding stops
Secure bandage
Write time of application in pen on patients skin
Reassess every 30 minutes

b) INCISIONS AND LACERATIONS

SRABC
Quickly check the wound for foreign matter
Immediately apply pressure to stop any bleeding
Bring the sides of the wound together and press firmly
Apply a non-adherent dressing and a firm roller bandage
Immobilise and elevate the injures limb if injuries permit

c) ABRASIONS

SRABC
Check the wound for foreign matter
Swab with a diluted antiseptic solution
Apply non-stick dressing or a light, dry dressing if necessary

d) PUNCTURE WOUND

SRABC
Check the wound - DO NOT remove any penetrating object
Apply direct pressure around the wound to stop any bleeding
Stabilise with a ring pad and non - stick dressing
Apply a firm roller bandage
Rest and elevate the injured limb if injuries permit

e) AMPUTATION

SRABC
Apply direct pressure to stop any bleeding
Apply a large pad or dressing to the wound
Treat for shock
Rest and elevate injured limb if possible
Collect amputated part - keep dry, do not wash or clean
Seal the amputated part in a plastic bag or wrap in waterproof material
Place in iced water - do not allow the amputated part to come into direct contact with ice. Freezing will kill tissue
Ensure the amputated part travels to the hospital with the casualty

f) NOSEBLEED

Have the casualty pinch the fleshy part of the nose just below the bone
Have the casualty lean slightly forward
Maintain this posture for at least 10 minutes
20 minutes or more may be needed in hot weather or after exercise
Apply cool compress to over the nose, neck and forehead
If bleeding persists, obtain medical aid

(Advise the casualty not to blow or pick nose for several hours or to swallow blood)

For further information about OH&S legislation and obligations in your state, click one of the links below: