Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

7 Bleeding, Wound Care and Trauma

If you discover a penetrating chest wound you must act quickly. 1. Cover the wound with an occlusive (air tight) dressing. This can be a commercial product, the plastic wrapper from a dressing or bandage, plastic food wrap or any other airtight material. First aiders may leave the wound exposed but saturation must be avoided. • Alternatively, cover and seal the wound with a gloved hand. If the patient is able, they can do this with their bare hand. • Position the patient to make breathing easier. For a conscious patient, this is usually semi-reclined if injuries allow. Try to position the patient with the injured side lower to the ground if possible. 2. Tape three sides of the occlusive bandage, leaving the fourth outside edge open. This works as a one way flutter valve, allowing air to escape the wound but sealing against the chest during inhalation.

• Carefully check and continue to monitor the flutter valve to make sure it is not allowing air to be sucked into the wound. • Get medical help immediately. Note: ILCOR Guideline Update. For open chest wounds, first aiders may leave the wound exposed or a non- occlusive dressing may be applied, but saturation must be avoided. If there is significant external bleeding, direct pressure to the chest wound with a hand and/or a non-occlusive dressing should be applied.

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