Man impaled on steel fence

Do you know what to do for this as a first aider?

***VIEWER WARNING *** VIDEO HERE

Here is a video of a man that has been impaled on a school fence after a car accident, its a miracle he is awake the whole time and survives this!

Australian first aid recommendations for bleeding (ANZCOR Bleeding Guidelines)  

Usually external bleeding can be controlled by the application of pressure on or near the wound to stop further bleeding until help arrives. The main aim is to reduce blood loss from the victim.

The use of direct pressure is usually the fastest, easiest and most effective way to stop bleeding. However, in some circumstances, indirect pressure may be used.

If there is an obvious embedded object, use indirect pressure.

• Do not remove the embedded object because it may be plugging the wound and restricting bleeding.
• Place padding around or above and below the object and apply pressure over the pads.
• Call 000

General Bleeding Management

• Use standard precautions (eg gloves, protective glasses) if readily available.
• Attempt to stop the bleeding by applying sustained direct or indirect pressure on or near the wound as appropriate.
• Lie the patient down if able to if bleeding from the lower limb or severe bleeding.
• If severe bleeding not controlled by above measures, use a tourniquet above bleeding point if available and trained in its use
• Call an ambulance on 000 or 112.
• If the victim is unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR.

Direct Pressure Method

Where the bleeding point is identified control bleeding by applying pressure as follows:

• apply firm, direct pressure sufficient to stop the bleeding
• apply pressure using hands or a pad ensuring that sufficient pressure is maintained and that the pressure remains over the wound. If bleeding continues, apply another pad and a tighter dressing over the wound.

To assist in controlling bleeding, where possible:

• restrict movement
• immobilise the part
• advise the victim to remain at total rest.

If bleeding continues it may be necessary to remove the pad(s) to ensure that a specific bleeding point has not been missed. The aim is to press over a small area and thus achieve greater pressure over the bleeding point. For this reason an unsuccessful pressure dressing may be removed to allow a more direct pressure pad and dressing on the bleeding location.

Use of Tourniquet

Tourniquets should only be used for life threatening bleeding from a limb that cannot be controlled by direct pressure. A wide bandage (of at least 5cm) can be used as a tourniquet 5-7 cm above the bleeding point. The bandage should be tight enough to stop all circulation to the injured limb and control the bleeding. The time of application must be noted and passed on to emergency/ambulance personnel. Once applied, the victim requires urgent transfer to hospital and the tourniquet should not be removed until the victim receives specialist care.

A tourniquet should not be applied over a joint or wound, and must not be covered up by any bandage or clothing.

Internal Bleeding

Recognition of Internal bleeding may be difficult to recognise, but should always be suspected where there are symptoms and signs of shock

If you need to learn these life saving skills, come along and do our Provide first aid course HLTAID003 Book online now or call 0755205068

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