Bleeding, Trauma, Shock: Extremities, Head and Neck

Resources Required:

1. 4x4 Dressing (2)
2. Rolls of Gauze (2)
3. Blanket
4. Oxygen Tank and Mask

• Extremity

  Setup: open [do not tear] dressing/bandage package, place within arm's reach.

  Procedure
  • Note: the arm is used for example purposes.
  • Apply direct pressure with gloved hand
  • If bleeding is still not controlled,
  • Grasp the outside of the dressing to remove it from the package.
    Apply dressing to wound site, so that dressing completely covers wound site
  • If bleeding is still not controlled,
  • Elevate the extremity
  • If bleeding is still not controlled,
  • Apply pressure to pressure point at brachial artery
  • If bleeding is still not controlled,
  • Pass extremity to partner, then wrap the extremity over dressing, proximal to distal.
    After wound is covered once, cover again; this time, twist dressing while wrapping over wound site
    
    • Do this three times over the wound site
    • Continue to wrap extremity until nearing the end of gauze
    • Hook with thumb and tie over wound site
  • Bleeding should now be controlled.
  • Lay patient down; elevate the legs; apply oxygen; cover patient with blanket to maintain body temperature.

• Head Injury

  Resources Required:
  

  1. Triangular Dressing; cravat or regular gauze
  2. 4x4 Dressing or Telfa Pad

  Procedure
  • Place 4x4 pad on injury site
  • Have patient maintain pressure
  • Fold cravat along edge
  • Place edge around forehead, secure it [a knot] around the occiput, then pull the corner of the cravat behind the knot [similar to a bandana or scarf]
  OR
  • Wrap gauze from wound site around and under the chin
  • Wrap until gauze is finished, then tape the end

• Neck Injury

  Resources Required:
  

  1. 4x4 Dressing
  2. Roll of Gauze

  • Apply direct pressure with dressing
  • Loop gauze from wound site under and around the arm on the oposite side, until gauze is finihsed, then tape the end
  OR

  Resources Required:
  

  1. Multitrauma Dressing
  2. Cervical Spine Immobilization Collar (C.S.I.C.)

  • Apply direct pressure with multitrauma dresssing
  • Use cervical collar as pressure dressing
    Note: upon arrival at hospital, be sure to tell doctors that it is not used for cervical immobilization