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….has failed to stop the bleeding.
Haemostatic dressings are applied as closely as possible to the bleeding site and held against the wound using manual direct pressure. Where available, this can be maintained by using a bandage. The dressing remains in place until removed by a medical professional.
Guidelines now state “the risk associated with the first aid use of tourniquets and haemostatic dressings are less than the risk of uncontrolled severe, life-threatening bleeding”. However, their use offers only temporary bleeding control, and the injured person must be transported to the hospital as soon as possible.
Excessive blood loss is responsible for numerous causes of death. These types of life-threatening bleeds occur during military activities, in the home and during surgery. Controlling excessive bleeding must always remain a priority even over airway and breathing interventions.
Info that might one day be useful at a pub quiz night – Kaolin is a type of clay found in various parts of the world. It is used for multiple purposes medically; however, it is used for treating diarrhoea, swelling and sores that develop inside the mouth. This mineral has also been shown to effectively control bleeding when combined with standard gauze and used on wounds.
Info that might one day be useful at a pub quiz night – Chitosan is a compound obtained from the shell of crabs and shellfish. When applied to a bleed via a gauze, impregnated dressing promotes blood clotting.
A Haemostatic dressing is a gauze impregnated with agents designed to stop bleeding.
Tomorrow we look at what the new guideline says about internal bleeding.
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Acknowledgement
Data and information are fact-checked against various recognised sources, including the New Zealand Resuscitation Council, Health Navigator New Zealand, St John, and other recognised entities specialising in the specific subject content. It should be noted that variances in protocols exist and where necessary are identified.