First Aid PDF

Lie the injured person down. If possible, position the person's head slightly lower than the chest/abdomen or elevate the legs. This reduces the risk of fainting by increasing blood flow to the brain. If possible, elevate what's bleeding. While wearing gloves, remove any loose dirt/debris from the w...

Lie the injured person down. If possible, position the person's head slightly lower than the chest/abdomen or elevate the legs. This reduces the risk of fainting by increasing blood flow to the brain. If possible, elevate what's bleeding. While wearing gloves, remove any loose dirt/debris from the wound. Do not remove any large or more deeply embedded objects. Do not probe the wound or clean it at this point. Stop the bleeding first. Apply pressure directly on the wound. Use a sterile bandage or clean cloth. If nothing else 1s available, use your hand. Maintain pressure until the bleeding stops. Hold continuous pressure for at least 20 minutes without looking to see if the bleeding has stopped. You can sustain pressure by binding the wound tightly with a bandage (or even a piece of clean clothing) and adhesive tape. Do not remove the gauze or bandage. If the bleeding continues and seeps through the gauze or other material you are holding on the wound, do not remove tt. Instead, add more absorbent material on top of it. Squeeze a main artery if mecessary. If the bleeding & 5 does not stop with direct pressure, apply pressure a 4, or a tourniquet to the artery delivering blood to the if at wound area. Artery pressure points are on the Ay of inside of the arm just above the elbow and just Jiko vA \ below the armpit, just behind the knee, and in the we Eto groin. To apply pressure, squeeze the main artery at 1 fog the pressure point against the bone. Keep your i | | fingers flat. With your other hand, continue to put pressure on the wound itself. a Immobilize the injured body part once the bleeding has stopped. Leave the bandages in place and get the person to the emergency room as soon as possible. If you suspect internal bleeding, call 911 or your local EM number. lf the bleeding is severe and cannot be controlled by direct pressure and squeezing an artery, consider using a tourniquet. A tourniquet can be applied to an extremity (arm or leg) using a variety of materials (such as a belt and a stick). You want to apply the tourniquet above the wound and you want it as tight as is necessary to slow or stop the bleeding. 139