Shock and Severe Bleeding First Aid Basics

With four young kids (including twin boys), I’m sure that I will face some sort of bleeding emergency.  I hope I don’t go into shock as a result!  I want to be able to do what I can even if help is on its way.  But if there is a serious community wide disaster, that help may take a long time to reach us.  Even though it scares me, I want to be able to care for my own!  Studying up on the following first aid procedures for this post has been empowering!

 

Shock

Shock often occurs with other injuries, but can also occur as the result of witnessing serious trauma to another: especially a loved one.  It is a serious threat!  When a person is in shock,their organs aren’t getting enough blood or oxygen. If shock is ignored or untreated, permanent organ damage or death can result.

Signs:

Signs of someone being in shock include total body weakness, trembling and / or restlessness.  Persons in shock will often be confused and stare with “lack luster” eyes.  Their breathing will be rapid and shallow and their pulse rapid and faint.  Their pupils may be enlarged and their skin will likely be pale, cool and clammy.

Treatment:

When treating shock, there are things you should do and things you should not do.

You should call 911 if possible.  If you do not suspect head, neck or back injuries, lie the person down on their back.  If you do not suspect hip or leg injuries, raise their feet 8-12 inches above their head.  If they need CPR, perform it.  If they have other obvious, serious injuries, treat them.  Otherwise, keep them warm and comfortable by loosening tight clothing and covering with a blanket.  Keep them talking and reassure them.  Encourage them to breath slowly and deeply.  If they vomit, turn them on their side to keep them from choking.

You should not raise their head or give them anything to eat or drink at all.  DO NOT move them at all if you suspect head, neck or back injuries.  Do not raise their feet if you suspect a hip or leg injury.  You should also avoid moving them once you’ve got them as comfortable as possible until they recover from the shock.

More Info:

You can find more info on shock and how to treat it from:

• The Mayo Clinic
• Web MD

 

Severe Bleeding

Severe bleeding can be scary!

I remember a time when I was babysitting my siblings.  I must have been 13 years old or so.  My youngest brother (about 9 years old at the time) climbed up to the storage unit my Dad had built in the garage.  It occupied the space from the ceiling to the garage door (when opened).

I heard screaming outside and ran out to discover that he had jammed his finger in the moving garage door.  He was bleeding all over the place.  I had taken a babysitting first aid class, but I was freaked out!  It took me a few seconds to gain my composure, grab a cloth and run up to him.  It was scary and it was just his finger!

Treatment:

Put on sterile gloves if available.

Before you apply pressure to a wound, clean out any large, loose debris.  Don’t worry about cleaning the wound yet, but make certain you aren’t applying pressure to a large piece of debris or glass that may worsen the problem.  If the debris is not loose, but is embedded in the body, do not remove it.

Use the palm of your hand (not your fingers) to apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or sterile bandage.  Sanitary napkins work well for this.  If bleeding is severe, use quikclot.  But beware that quikclot should only be used in true cases of severe bleeding as it is very difficult to remove later.

If there is debris you had to leave in the wound, do not press directly on it.  Instead press as close to the wound as possible without putting pressure on the debris.

Keep pressure on wound by binding (wrapping in the opposite way of the cut, so the cut is held closed) it with a another bandage or clean cloth.  DO NOT remove the first cloth / bandage.  If there is debris still in the wound, wrap around the debris closing the wound as much as possible.

Have the injured person lie down and raise their injured body part above their heart.

If blood seeps through bandage, DO NOT remove it to add another.  Simply add another on top of the first and continue applying pressuring.  Bind again.

Immobilize the injured, bleeding body part.

If bleeding won’t stop, there is debris you can’t remove, the bleeding in in the abdomen, the edges are jagged and very open, the wound shows signs of infection or red streaks around it, or you suspect internal bleeding, seek medical attention asap.  If 911 isn’t responding, find a doctor as soon as possible.

Once bleeding has stopped, clean the wound gently with soap and water.  Make sure you rinse all the soap out before dressing.   Apply antibiotic cream and cover with a sterile bandage.  Change dressing at least daily.

More Info:

You can find additional information below:

• Severe bleeding treatment from the Mayo Clinic.
• Treating severe bleeding from WebMD
• Stopping bleeding from Healthline

 

FREE PRINTABLES:

I have taken many first classes over the years.  But I’m still afraid that when (and if) the time comes, I will be frazzled and might forget something essential.  A while back, I made a printable first aid quick guide for myself and babysitters that has been helpful.  However, I’ve been wanting something a bit more portable: something smaller.

Now  I’m making printable 3×5 cards!  I will print them, laminate them and then attach them to a key ring.  I will keep one hanging in the pantry, one in each vehicle’s glove compartment, and one in our 72 hour kits / go-bags.

You are welcome to print them for your own use as well!  Simply click HERE or on the image below to download them:

You can find additional printables here:

• CPR and Choking
• Hypothermia and Heat Stroke

Disclaimer:

I am not a doctor.  My advice is simply what I have found from my own research and education.  Please read the information I have linked to for more expert sources and take a first aid / CPR course for complete training.

References:

• Family Doctor.org
• WebMD
• Mayo Clinic
• American Red Cross

 

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