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Controlling catastrophic haemorrhage caused by major trauma

Controlling catastrophic haemorrhage caused by major trauma

Posted by DS Medical on 7th Apr 2022

Uncontrolled haemorrhage is one of the leading causes of death following injury. In the pre-hospital sector, it is important to have immediate and reliable equipment available to control an external catastrophic haemorrhage before hospital treatment can be provided.

Identification of any catastrophic haemorrhage must be performed as part of the initial assessment to quickly decide the best course of action. The immediate priority is to localise the site of external bleeding by providing compression in an attempt to gain control and stem the bleed. If left untreated, the bleed will lead to clinical shock and possibly death, meaning reliable equipment is essential to ensure effective treatment and save life.

When to use a limb tourniquet

Tourniquets help to control the bleeding by providing circumferential pressure to the injured limb between the wound and heart. By using a band tied tightly around the limb, a tourniquet compresses the arteries and reduces the blood flow to the area.

Tourniquets are more likely to be needed when machines, such as chainsaws or farm machinery, have been the cause of the injury, or when responding to a serious vehicle incident where there is a greater risk of partial or complete amputation of limbs.

The compact and intuitive S.T.A.T. (Smart Tactical Application Tourniquet) is a solution for the treatment of individuals or mass casualty situations and can be applied rapidly in just five seconds, significantly reducing blood loss from catastrophic bleeding and allowing multiple casualties to be treated quickly if necessary.

Sadly, the advent of increased rudimentary terrorist attacks involving knives, vehicles and improvised explosive devices throughout the world has raised the need for tourniquets to be more available in general society, whereas before they were more reserved for military and hospital use.

When to use specialist products

Celox is a treatment for life-threatening bleeding, ideal for the emergency and military sectors. This product allows for the quick treatment of severe haemorrhage to control bleeding in areas such as the abdomen or head where tourniquet use would not be suitable. These types of haemostatic dressings, have been specially designed to stop external bleeding from severe injuries including stab wounds and those caused by power tools and vehicle incidents.

These products, including Celox Gauze and Celox Granules, are made from specialist materials (chitosan) and work independently of the body’s own clotting mechanism. These specialist products react with blood to form a localised clot, resulting in immediate haemostasis – whereby the flow of blood is stopped.

As with tourniquet use, the first step is to apply direct pressure to the site. The gauze or granules are then packed or poured directly into the bleeding wound and pressure is applied for three minutes to stop bleeding from arterial injuries. The casualty will then need to be transferred to the nearest medical facility for further treatment. Celox Rapid has been developed for situations where more rapid treatment is required, coupled with direct pressure this stops bleeding in just 60 seconds.

Trauma Kits

When working in certain industries, including close protection, tree surgery, farming or working with heavy machinery and power tools, being prepared with the correct first aid and trauma kit is essential for responding to casualties and accidents, due to the high-risk environment.

DS Medical’s Trauma kits have been specially designed and put together for environments with a high injury risk. Each piece of equipment has been selected for its superior qualities in managing bleeding, including tourniquets and Celox dressings!

Discover DS Medical’s full range of Trauma kits, haemorrhage and first aid equipment on our website. If you’re unsure of what medical equipment you need then speak to one of our experts at info@dsmedical.co.uk or call us directly on 01329 311451.