Preparing for traumatic injuries in an emergency involves understanding how to manage severe injuries effectively until professional medical help arrives.
Here’s a guide to help you prepare and respond to traumatic injuries:
Personal Safety
- Always prioritize your safety and the safety of others. Assess the scene for potential hazards before assisting.
Training and Education
- First Aid Certification: Take a certified First Aid and CPR course to learn how to handle traumatic injuries, perform life-saving techniques, and use medical equipment properly.
- Stop The Bleed: Take a course from a certified instructor and learn how to control life-threatening bleeding. Blood loss is the number one cause of preventable death after injury.
- Emergency Medical Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with basic medical knowledge related to trauma, such as how to recognize signs of shock, bleeding control, and wound management.
Emergency Kit Preparation
- First Aid Kit: Assemble a comprehensive first aid kit with items specifically designed for treating traumatic injuries. Essential items include:
- Adhesive bandages: Various sizes for minor cuts and abrasions.
- Sterile gauze pads and rolls: For covering wounds and controlling bleeding.
- Hemostatic Gauze: Dressings proven to clot blood and prevent blood loss quickly.
- Pressure Dressings: For covering wounds requiring pressure to control the bleeding.
- Adhesive tape: To secure gauze and bandages.
- Antiseptic wipes or solution: For cleaning wounds.
- Elastic bandages: For sprains or to apply pressure to wounds.
- Trauma shears: To cut clothing and bandages.
- Tourniquet: For severe bleeding when direct pressure isn’t effective.
- Chest Seals: For penetration wounds in the thoracic and abdominal cavities.
- Splints: To immobilize suspected fractures or sprains.
- Burn dressings: For treating burns.
- CPR face shield or mask: For performing CPR safely.
- Medical gloves: For hygiene and protection. Consider using drug-resistant gloves.
Plan and Prepare
- Develop a Plan: Create an emergency plan that includes responding to traumatic injuries. Share this plan with family members, coworkers, or anyone who may be involved in emergencies.
- Designate a Safe Area: Identify a safe and accessible location to treat injuries, especially if you have to move people to safety first.
Recognize and Respond to Common Traumatic Injuries
- Bleeding: Apply direct pressure to control bleeding. Use sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If bleeding on a limb is severe and doesn’t stop, use a tourniquet above the injury.
- Fractures and Dislocations: Immobilize the injured area with a splint, never try to straighten the break. Avoid moving the person unless necessary to avoid further injury. Seek professional medical help as soon as possible.
- Burns: Cool burns with running water for at least 10 minutes. Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick dressing and avoid using ice or ointments. Seek medical attention for severe burns.
- Shock: Keep the person warm and comfortable. Lay them flat and elevate their legs if possible. Monitor their breathing and pulse. Avoid giving them food or drink.
- Head, Neck, and Spinal Injuries: Minimize movement of the head, neck, and spine. Keep the person still and provide support until professional help arrives. Move the injured person only when absolutely necessary.
Communication
- Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local emergency services and medical facilities, in your emergency kit and accessible locations.
- Information Sharing: Communicate clearly with emergency responders about the nature of the injuries, the number of injured persons, and any other relevant information.
Mental and Emotional Preparedness
- Stress Management: Prepare yourself mentally for high-stress situations. Understanding that traumatic injuries can be overwhelming can help you stay focused and effective.
- Stay Calm: You must remain calm to be an effective rescuer.
- Emotional Support: Be prepared to provide emotional support to injured individuals and bystanders. Traumatic injuries can cause significant psychological stress.
Regular Review and Practice
- Practice Drills: Regularly practice emergency response drills, including dealing with traumatic injuries, to ensure readiness.
- Update Supplies: Regularly check and update your first aid kit to ensure it contains up-to-date supplies and replace any expired items.
Legal and Safety Considerations
- Stay Informed: Be aware of any legal considerations regarding first aid and medical response in your area. Knowing your responsibilities and limitations can help you respond appropriately. Most states have Good Samaritan laws that will protect you when you are acting in “Good Faith”
By preparing adequately, understanding how to manage traumatic injuries, and having the necessary tools and knowledge, you can effectively respond to emergencies and provide critical care until professional help arrives.
Stay Vigilant and Be prepared
In addition, take these steps to ensure you and your loved ones are better prepared to handle emergencies effectively. It’s always better to be proactive than reactive for safety and preparedness.