Condition |
Symptoms |
Treatment priorities ( aerial |
|
|
casualty ) |
Fractures and breaks
Abdominal injuries
Pain , deformity , angulation , crepitus , swelling , reduced movement , altered sensation .
Open fractures involve an open wound .
Closed fractures have no broken skin .
Fractures can become lifethreatening if there is severe internal or external bleeding .
Complications of fractures include damage to organs , major nerves and blood vessels , infection , compartment syndrome .
Minor cuts and bleeding of torso injuries can be treated for bleeding .
Any open or closed abdominal injuries may include damage to internal organs .
Symptoms may include :
• Visible injuries / open abdominal wounds .
• Severe pain .
• Bruising .
• Nausea / vomiting ( may contain blood ).
• Shock .
• Difficulty breathing .
Assess DRSABC . Call Ambulance Service . Rescue casualty to ground .
Consider splinting of fractured limb before casualty evacuation if able to do so .
Gentle movement of patient during evacuation . Movement of broken bones will cause pain and may cause additional injury .
Control bleeding and cover wounds with sterile dressings .
Immobilise injured area using splints and monitor circulation in the area beyond the injury .
Assess DRSABC . Call Ambulance Service .
DO NOT apply direct pressure to wound .
Do not touch / try to push organs back into the abdominal cavity unless necessary to perform rescue .
Use plastic clingwrap or a wet sterile dressing to cover internal organs during rescue .
Rescue to ground as quickly as possible .
Crush injuries
Crush injuries may be encountered with the load still present , or with the load removed by the casualty ’ s workmates prior to arrival .
Symptoms may include signs and symptoms of fractures , numbness , swelling or rigidity in the crushed area .
Symptoms like shock .
See tree crush entrapment rescues ( pg . 177 ) for information on dealing with the removal of loads .
Assess DRSABC . Call Ambulance Service .
Prepare to manage bleeding before removing load .
Remove load and rescue to ground .
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