Where possible, remember PEEP: Position, Expose, Elevate, Pressure
ALWAYS wear appropriate PPE with bodily fluid exposure risks!
Minor Bleeding
Minor bleeding will usually trickle or ooze, indirect pressure with simple dressings is usually appropriate.
Moderate Bleeding
Moderate bleeding will usually steadily pour, direct pressure and elevation will usually work, use of larger or more dressings may be appropriate. Check for signs of shock.
Severe Bleeding
Severe bleeding will squirt or heavily pour, this will prove life-threatening. Haemorrhage control adjuncts and dressings may be required. Patients are at greater risk of shock or cardiac arrest.
SOFTT/CAT Tourniquet Application
Russell Chest Seal Application
Trauma Bandage Application
ChitoGauze/Celox Gauze Application
If dressings or adjuncts are not available, use towels, clothing or your hands to apply direct pressure to wounds
Ensure a 999 clinical resource is aware of any catastrophic bleeding, this is time-critical.
If using a tight wrapped dressing or tourniquet, ensure to regularly check distal pulses and circulation and note any changes.
DO NOT remove tourniquets once applied!
For minor wounds and bleeding, use would clean water, wound cleaning wipes or sodium chloride solution to clean the wound and apply clean dressings with gentle pressure. Do not stick ashesive dressings directly to wounds.