First aid for blood loss and wounds

Malaysian Red Crescent SMK Hillcrest

By: Staff Sergeant Mohd Syameer Firdaus (5 Alpha 2012) Private Amirul Fakhri (3 Amal 2012)
Malaysian Red Crescent, SMK Hillcrest 2012.

The circulatory system

The heart is responsible for pumping blood around the body Blood travels in arteries, veins and capillaries Blood transports Oxygen and nutrients around the body and helps remove waste products An average adult has around 10 pints (4.7 litres) of blood

Malaysian Red Crescent, SMK Hillcrest 2012.

Wound terminology
Laceration: Tearing of the skin & tissue Contusion: A bruise Abrasion: Graze - loss of superficial layer of skin Incision: A straight clean wound Puncture: Caused by a sharp object
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Object may still be in the wound (foreign / embedded object)

Malaysian Red Crescent, SMK Hillcrest 2012.

Wound terminology

LACERATION

Abrasion

Malaysian Red Crescent, SMK Hillcrest 2012.

Wound terminology

Punctured Wound

Malaysian Red Crescent, SMK Hillcrest 2012.

First aid for major blood loss

1.Expose injury and elevate above level of heart 2.If there are no foreign objects, apply firm direct pressure over the wound 3.If there is an object, apply pressure around the foreign object 4.Call for emergency help

Malaysian Red Crescent, SMK Hillcrest 2012.

What not to do
Do not apply a tourniquet unless specifically trained to do so Do not attempt to wash out a major wound your aim is to control the bleeding

Malaysian Red Crescent, SMK Hillcrest 2012.

Shock (1)
Shock is a medical emergency which can be caused by severe blood loss The casualty does not receive enough oxygen due to the loss of blood Signs & symptoms include:
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Pale clammy skin Drowsiness Thirst Confusion Nausea & vomiting

Malaysian Red Crescent, SMK Hillcrest 2012.

Shock (2)
If you suspect a casualty is suffering from shock then you should: Lie them down and raise their legs
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This improves the blood flow to the vital organs

Cover them with a blanket Call for emergency help if you havent already done so.

Malaysian Red Crescent, SMK Hillcrest 2012.

Infection control
Try and keep the wound as clean as possible Try to avoid contact with the casualtys blood
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Wear disposable latex / nitrile gloves if available If not, use any available items to create a barrier (e.g: a plastic bag)

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards Seek medical advice if you are concerned

Malaysian Red Crescent, SMK Hillcrest 2012.

First aid for minor wounds

1. Wear gloves if available 2. Clean the wound thoroughly with antiseptic wipes or saline 3. Do not remove any embedded objects (e.g: glass) seek medical advice 4. Cover the wound using a clean dressing (plaster, non-adherent pad etc.) 5. Seek medical advice if there are any signs of infection redness, swelling or the area is warm to the touch

Malaysian Red Crescent, SMK Hillcrest 2012.