Blood loss can be stemmed through the use of wound dressings, which can also prevent the casualty from going into shock. Major bleeding has the potential to be life threatening when left untreated. So learning a simple bandage technique could make a real difference during an emergency.
First Aid Kit
Always ensure that gloves are worn when treating a casualty suffering with bleeding. Also select the correct sized dressing for the type of wound. Generally the medium sized bandage works well on hands, wrists & arms. The larger wound dressings are more suitable for the lower and upper leg.
Use direct pressure when it is not possible to tie a bandage around the wound
Technique
Watch the video and copy the technique when dealing with bleeding. Simplified it follows the following four step protocol:
Reassure the casualty and ask them to apply direct pressure on the wound (if leaving them).
Put gloves on and select the correct sized wound dressing
Place the pad of the bandage directly over the wound and support in place with your hand.
Tie the bandage ‘under and over’ until all parts of the pad are covered
The bandage should be tight but not to the point where circulation is restricted
Two Bandage Rule
When blood comes through the first dressing it is advisable to tie a second bandage over the top. This creates extra pressure and should help stem the flow of blood. The process will have to be started from scratch if blood comes through the second dressing as when saturated the effect of the bandage will diminish.
If not practical eg when close to hospital ask the casualty to apply direct pressure
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