Trauma Response

General Trauma First Aid Principles:

• Scene Safety:

  • Before approaching the injured person, ensure that the situation is safe for both you and the victim.  

  • Remove any immediate dangers (take steps to render the area "safe" enough to take action)

• Initial Assessment:

  • Check for responsiveness: "Are you okay?"

  • If the person is unresponsive, immediately call emergency services (911 or your local equivalent).  

  • Assess the victim's airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC).  

• Prioritize Life-Threatening Injuries:

  • Address severe bleeding, airway obstructions, and breathing difficulties first.

  • These conditions can lead to rapid deterioration and death.

• Minimize Movement:

  • If a spinal injury is suspected, avoid moving the victim unless absolutely necessary.  

  • Stabilize the head and neck.  

• Maintain Body Temperature:

  • Cover the victim with a blanket to prevent hypothermia, which can worsen shock.

• Reassurance:

  • Provide reassurance to the victim, even if they are unconscious.

  • Speak calmly and let them know help is on the way.

Controlling Bleeding:

• Direct Pressure:

  • The most effective method for stopping bleeding is to apply direct pressure to the wound.

  • Use a clean cloth, sterile gauze, or even your bare hand if necessary.  

  • Apply firm, continuous pressure directly on the bleeding site.  

  • Maintain pressure until the bleeding stops.  

• Elevation:

  • If possible, elevate the injured limb above the level of the heart.  

  • This helps to reduce blood flow to the area.

  • Elevation should be used in conjunction with direct pressure.  

  • Caution should be taken if a fracture is suspected.

• Pressure Points:

  • If direct pressure and elevation do not control the bleeding, apply pressure to a pressure point.

  • Pressure points are locations where major arteries can be compressed against bone.

  • Common pressure points include:

    • Brachial artery (inner upper arm).

    • Femoral artery (groin).

• Tourniquet:

  • A tourniquet should be used only as a last resort for life-threatening bleeding from a limb that cannot be controlled by other means.  

  • Apply the tourniquet 2-3 inches above the bleeding site.  

  • Tighten the tourniquet until the bleeding stops.  

  • Note the time the tourniquet was applied. (this is as important as applying the tourniquet)

  • Do not loosen the tourniquet unless instructed by emergency medical personnel.  

• Wound Care:

  • Once the bleeding is controlled, cover the wound with a clean bandage.

  • Do not remove any embedded objects; instead, apply pressure around them to keep it stabilized.

  • Seek immediate medical attention.

Additional Trauma Considerations:

• Shock:

  • Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's tissues don't receive enough oxygen-rich blood.  

  • Signs of shock include:

    • Pale, cool, clammy skin.

    • Rapid, weak pulse.

    • Rapid, shallow breathing.  

    • Confusion or disorientation.

  • To treat shock:

    • Lay the person down and elevate their legs.  

    • Keep them warm.

    • Provide reassurance.

    • Call for emergency services immediately.

• Fractures:

  • Immobilize the injured limb to prevent further damage.  

  • Use a splint or sling if available.

  • Apply ice packs to reduce swelling.  

  • Seek medical attention.

• Burns:

  • Cool the burn with cool (not cold) running water.

  • Cover the burn with a sterile bandage.

  • Do not apply ointments or creams.

  • Seek medical attention for severe burns.  

• Head Injuries:

  • Check for signs of concussion or skull fracture.

  • Monitor the person's level of consciousness.

  • Call emergency services immediately.

Training and Preparedness:

• First Aid and CPR Training:

  • Regular training is important for providing effective trauma first aid.

  • Consider taking a certified first aid and CPR course.

• First Aid Kit:

  • Maintain a well-stocked first aid kit that includes:

    • Sterile gauze pads and rolls.

    • Medical tape.  

    • Antiseptic wipes.

    • Disposable gloves (nitrile).  

    • Tourniquet (if trained to use it).  

• Emergency Planning:

  • Develop and practice emergency plans for your workplace or home.

  • Ensure that everyone knows how to call emergency services.