Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

7 Bleeding, Wound Care and Trauma

Crush injury Crush injury is when focused pressure is applied to a part of the patient’s body. Crush injuries can range from minor bruising to fractures, ruptured organs, severe internal, and external bleeding and amputation. Most crush injuries to the extremities, though serious, are not usually a life threat. Larger areas of injury are at risk of crush syndrome . When tissue and muscle are cut off from perfusion for an extended period, such as when they are crushed for a prolonged period of time, the metabolic waste from the cells builds up in the tissue. This waste can be toxic. When an area of the body that has been crushed has the weight removed, the sudden reperfusion of tissue releases the built up toxins and can cause toxic shock and kidney failure. Treat life threats. Provide first aid for any wounds and fractures. Assume internal bleeding and treat for shock.

Get medical help quickly.

Care of arm or leg stump after amputation Control bleeding with direct pressure and thick absorbent dressings. Use enough dressings to completely cover the stump and extend past the amputation. Bandage dressings securely in place so that they exert firm, even pressure on the wound. Extend bandage up the limb, well above the wound. Hand Bandage after Amputation

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