Severe Wounds
CALL FOR HELP IMMEDIATELLY. Phone 911 or local EMS providers.
- Control bleeding by applying direct pressure on wound with a sterile dressing. If blood soaks through, do not remove first dressing — add additional dressings on top. This will speed clotting.
- If fracture or neck/back injuries are not suspected, elevate injured area.
- If bleeding continues, apply firm pressure at appropriate pressure point (femoral arteries-groin area, brachial arteries-inside upper arm).
- Apply pressure bandage, if needed, over dressings already on the wound.
- Do not attempt to remove impaled objects. Bandage in place.
Minor Wounds
- Wash minor wounds that are not bleeding severely with soap and water.
- Apply antiseptic or antibiotic ointment to the wound.
- Apply a clean dressing.
Head Injuries
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS: Wound of scalp or skull, blood or clear fluid draining from nose and/or ears, lowered level of responsiveness, deformity of skull, bruising around eyes or ears, nausea and vomiting, shallow or irregular breathing.
- Call for help. Phone 911 or local EMS providers immediately.
- Immobilize the head and neck. Do not move the patient.
- Do not attempt to stop bleeding or draining from ears or nose.
- A head injury may also indicate a neck injury. Treat neck, head and body as one unit.
- Watch for vomiting and keep airway clear.
Simple Fractures
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS: Deformity, swelling, discoloration, pain and tenderness.
- Do not move patient except in the case of life-threatening danger.
- Call 911 or local EMS providers.
- If EMS is not immediately available, ice or cold packs may help to reduce pain and swelling.
- If you must transport the patient, splint or immobilize fractured limbs in the position found.
- Continue to check for proper circulation and sensation and loosen splint if either is impaired or decreased.
Open or Compound Fractures
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS: Skin is broken and bleeding, bone may be visible. Call for help. Phone 911 or local EMS providers immediately.
- Control bleeding, but do not elevate area.
- Keep a close eye on circulation.
- Do not apply cold packs.
- Continually recheck circulation