WILDSIDE

ZIMBABWE

OTHER BLEEDING

 

Amputation

Call for an ambulance.

 

 1. Control any bleeding

Use a bulky pad and apply it firmly to the bleeding area. Raise if possible.

Control any bleeding

Control any bleeding

2. Recover the severed part

If possible, gently place it into a plastic bag. Seal the bag with a little air inside to protect the severed part with a ‘cushion’ of air.

Place the inflated bag into a container or bucket of cold water to which several ice cubes have been added.

Ensure the severed part is transferred to hospital with the patient.

 

Crush injury

A crush injury occurs from compression of large muscle groups and soft tissues by a heavy weight. The most serious sites for a crush injury to occur are the head, neck, chest, abdomen and thigh.

Call for an ambulance.

 

 1. Remove the crushing force

Remove the crushing force if possible because permanent tissue damage may occur with severe crushing force.

If the crushing force has been in place for some time, be prepared to give prompt first aid, because removal of the crushing force may cause a sudden collapse or deterioration in the patient’s condition.

2. Treat the patient’s injuries

  • Assess and treat any injuries in order of their importance.
  • Control any bleeding with a sterile pad applied firmly to the injured area.
  • Assist the patient into the position of greatest comfort and use soft padding to provide support for the injured part.
  • If a limb is involved, support and immobilise the injured area.
  • While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, observe the patient closely for any change in condition.
  • Nose bleed

 

Crush injury

1.  Apply firm pressure, elevation and rest

The patient needs to hold the head well forward and breathe through the mouth while pinching the entire soft part of the nose for 10 to 20 minutes.

The patient must be sitting down and at total rest until the bleeding stops.

 

If bleeding continues after 20 minutes of pressure, continue the pressure and call for an ambulance.

A cold compress can be used.

Once the bleeding has stopped

Tell the patient not to blow their nose for a few hours because this may restart the bleeding.

 

Abrasion

Gently clean with soapy water or saline. If there are pieces of gravel embedded in the wound, ask the patient to try to remove them while the area is soaking in soapy water.

Dry the area well by blotting with gauze swabs or a pad of tissues.

If a protective dressing is necessary, apply a non-adherent sterile dressing and fix it in place with a light roller bandage or tape.

 

A puncture wound

  • Clean the wound with warm soapy water and allow it to penetrate the puncture track because tetanus spores may be trapped deep in the wound.
  • Allow the wound to dry thoroughly in the air before covering it.
  • If a protective dressing is needed, use a porous adhesive dressing and change it daily to keep the wound healthy and dry.
  • Contact a local doctor for advice about tetanus immunisation.

 

REF: St Johns Ambulance - www.stjohn.org.nz