1. Bleeding and Shock

2. Pulse Points
Locations on the body surface where arteries can be felt expanding and contracting

3. Head and Neck Pulse Points
Temporal artery – slightly anterior of the eternal ear.
Carotid artery – along the front margin of the sternocleidomastoid muscle

4. Arm Pulse Points
Brachial artery – along the inner border of the biceps brachii
Radial artery – on the
thumb side of the wrist

5. Leg Pulse Points
Femoral artery – in the groin (inguinal) area

6. Popliteal artery – behind the knee
Dorsalis pedis artery – on the anterior surface of the foot, below the ankle joint

7. Wound Care Irrigate the wound with clean, cool water
Remove all foreign particles
Dry the wound
Treat with first-aid cream
Apply a dry sterile bandage

8. Bleeding There are three types of bleeding
Arterial bleeding can be severe.
Venous bleeding is less severe but can be profuse.
Capillary bleeding is slow but may increase the risk of infection.

9. Arterial Bleeding
This has the force of arterial pressure behind it; thus it will often spurt with each heartbeat.
Typically from a deep laceration or puncture wound.
Treat with firm pressure and immediate medical attention.

10. Venous and Capillary Bleeds
Venous blood will be darker and will trickle out.
Capillary bleeds will also trickle out but will have a brighter color.
With both of these, usually light to moderate pressure will constrict bleeding enough for the body’s natural clotting mechanisms to work.

11. Shock
Shock is a failure of the circulatory system to oxygenate vital organs.
This is a medical emergency. Undetected shock can lead to death.

12. Recognition and Treatment for Shock
Recognition of Shock
Initially, a flow of adrenaline causes:
A rapid pulse.
Pale, grey skin, especially inside the lips. If pressure is applied to a fingernail or earlobe, it will not regain its colour immediately.
Sweating, and cold, clammy skin (sweat does not evaporate).

13. Recognition and Treatment for Shock
As shock develops, there may be:
Weakness and giddiness.
Nausea, and sometimes vomiting.
Thirst.
Rapid, shallow breathing.
A weak, ‘thready’ pulse. When the pulse at the wrist disappears, fluid loss may equal half the blood volume.

14. Recognition and Treatment for Shock
As the oxygen supply to the brain weakens:
The casualty may become restless, anxious and aggressive.
The casualty may yawn and gasp for air (‘air hunger’).
The casualty will eventually become unconscious.
Finally, the heart will stop.

15. Recognition and Treatment for Shock
DO NOT let the casualty move unnecessarily, eat, drink, or smoke.
DO NOT leave the casualty unattended. Reassure the casualty constantly.

16. Recognition and Treatment for Shock
Treat any cause of shock which can be remedied (such as external bleeding).
Lay the casualty down, keeping the head low.
Raise and support the casualty’s legs (be careful if suspecting a fracture).

17. Recognition and Treatment for Shock
Loosen tight clothing, braces, straps or belts, in order to reduce constriction at the neck, chest and waist.
Insulate the casualty from cold, both above and below.
Contact the emergency service.

18. Recognition and Treatment for Shock
Check and record breathing, pulse and level of response.
Be prepared to resuscitate the casualty if necessary.