It’s not always safe out there on the road.
BY “COACH” MATTHEW ANDRADE, A.E.C., S.F.A, A.E.D., N.L.S.
Shout for help, have someone call 911. If no one is there to call 911 do it after you have stabilized the victim.
If possible, before you try to stop severe bleeding, wash your hands to avoid infection and put on synthetic gloves.
Article sponsored by www.itriumph.ca
THINK RED (Rest, Elevation, Direct Pressure) to remember the steps explained below. Move quickly through Rest, Elevation, and Direct Pressure to encourage clotting.
REST:
• Have the injured person lie down.
ELEVATION:
• If possible, elevate the site of bleeding.
• If possible, position the person’s head slightly lower than the trunk or elevate the legs. This position reduces the risk of fainting by increasing blood flow to the brain.
DIRECT PRESSURE:
1. While wearing gloves, pick off any obvious dirt or debris from the surface of wound.
2. Don’t remove any large or deeply embedded objects.
3. Don’t probe the wound or attempt to clean it at this point.
4. Don’t reposition displaced organs. If the wound is abdominal and organs have been displaced, don’t try to push them back into place.
5. Your principal concern is to stop the bleeding.
6. Apply pressure directly on the wound. Use a sterile bandage (a bandage is a dressing–clean absorbent material–and compress), clean cloth or even a piece of clothing and adhesive tape. If nothing else is available, use your hand. Maintain pressure until the bleeding stops.
7. Hold continuous pressure for at least 20 minutes without looking to see if the bleeding has stopped.
8. Don’t remove the gauze or bandage. If the bleeding continues and seeps through the gauze or other material you are holding on the wound, don’t remove it. Instead, add more absorbent material on top of it.
9. Squeeze a main artery if necessary. If the bleeding doesn’t stop with direct pressure, apply pressure to the artery delivering blood to the area of the wound. Pressure points of the arm are on the inside of the arm just above the elbow and just below the armpit. Pressure points of the leg are just behind the knee and in the groin. Squeeze the main artery in these areas against the bone.
10. Immobilize the injured body part once the bleeding has stopped. Leave the bandages in place and get the injured person to the emergency room as soon as possible. iT!
DISCLAIMER: To the best of our knowledge these instructions are in keeping with today’s standards. These instructions are to serve as reminders only and are not a substitute for taking a Standard First Aid Course. We are not liable for the accuracy or the use of this information.
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