Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

7 Bleeding, Wound Care and Trauma

First Aider in Action: Summary

1. What is your first consideration in giving first aid to Anita? Your first consideration is scene safety, determining what injured the patient, and ensuring it is not a threat to yourself or others. Additionally, precautions for blood and bodily fluids (gloves) need to be taken. 2. What is the first step in controlling bleeding? The first step in controlling bleeding is applying direct pressure with a gloved hand. This can be done by the first aider, the patient, or a bystander. 3. Is the bleeding a life threat? Although the wound is bleeding freely, an injury such as this is seldom a life threat. Already the bleeding has slowed due to the direct pressure applied by the patient.

4. How can you reduce Anita’s symptoms? Anita is feeling some minor effects of shock. Reassure her and have her stay at rest to avoid adding stress to her system. 5. What else can you do to manage the scene? Designate others to help with care, and dispose of the broken glass and bandage wrappers. 6. What else can you do to control the bleeding? Apply an additional dressing on top of the others. Maintain pressure. 7. What do you need to consider and prepare if you are transporting Anita? How to get the patient from the scene of the accident to the vehicle without causing additional injury and pain. Remember calling 911 is part of PSM.

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