PADI RTO First Aid Student Manual

PADI RTO HLTAID002 - PROVIDE BASIC EMERGENCY LIFE SUPPORT Bleeding control What is severe bleeding? Experience tells you that when the skin and underlying tissue is cut, scraped or punctured, there’s going to be blood. How much blood flows from the wound and how quickly it leaves the body is what determines whether it’s a minor problem or severe, life-threatening bleeding. As we’ve learnt, the human body contains about six litres of blood. Rapid loss of just one litre is dangerous and can lead to death. Because severe bleeding is life-threatening you, as an Emergency Responder, need to be able to recognise and manage this during a primary assessment. Severe bleeding management is the first S in the last step of the Cycle of Care (DRSABCDS). What are the basic principles for the control of severe bleeding? First, ensure safety for the casualty and yourself, the Emergency Responder – use barriers. Stop the bleeding to conserve the casualty’s own blood. Remember to reassure the casualty during first aid care and encourage rest. Transport casualty to the hospital or call Emergency Medical Services if they appear pale, sweaty, agitated and thirsty due to blood loss (these indications may be associated with internal bleeding). What are the three types of bleeding and how is each identified? In general, there are three types of external bleeding. In an emergency, it’s not critical for you to diagnose the exact type of bleeding. However, by knowing the differences you’ll be better able to judge how severe the bleeding is and how best to manage it. During Skill Development you’ll learn how to control severe bleeding using direct pressure and pressure points. Arterial Bleeding Bright red blood that spurts from a wound in rhythm with the heartbeat. This is the most serious type of bleeding since blood loss occurs very quickly. If a major artery is cut, death can occur within a minute Venous Bleeding Dark red blood steadily flowing from the wound without rhythmic spurts. This bleeding can also be life-threatening and must be controlled as quickly as possible. Capillary Bleeding Blood slowly oozing from the wound. This slow bleeding may stop on its own or is typically easy to handle with direct pressure. Any time a casualty has severe bleeding, use barriers, activate EMS immediately and quickly provide care to prevent excessive blood loss.

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