First aid for blood loss and wounds

firstaidpowerpoint.com
 The circulatory system
• The heart is responsible for
pumping blood around the
body
• Blood travels in arteries,
veins and capillaries
• Blood transports Oxygen and
nutrients around the body and
helps remove waste products
• An average adult has around
10 pints of blood

firstaidpowerpoint.com
 Wound terminology
• Laceration: Tearing of the skin & tissue
• Contusion: A bruise
• Abrasion: Graze - loss of superficial layer of skin
• Incision: A straight clean wound
• Puncture: Caused by a sharp object
o Object may still be in the wound (foreign / embedded object)

firstaidpowerpoint.com
 First aid for major blood
loss
1.Expose injury and elevate above level of
heart
2.If there are no foreign objects, apply firm
direct pressure over the wound
3.If there is an object, apply pressure around
the foreign object
4.Call for emergency help

firstaidpowerpoint.com
 What not to do
• Do not apply a
tourniquet unless
specifically trained to
do so

• Do not attempt to wash

out a major wound –
your aim is to control
the bleeding

firstaidpowerpoint.com
 Shock (1)
• Shock is a medical emergency which can be caused
by severe blood loss
• The casualty does not receive enough oxygen due to
the loss of blood
• Signs & symptoms include:
o Pale clammy skin
o Drowsiness
o Thirst
o Confusion
o Nausea & vomiting

firstaidpowerpoint.com
 Shock (2)
• If you suspect a casualty is suffering from shock then
you should:

• Lie them down and raise their legs

o This improves the blood flow to the vital organs

• Cover them with a blanket

• Call for emergency help if you haven’t already done

so.

firstaidpowerpoint.com
 Infection control
• Try and keep the wound as clean as possible
• Try to avoid contact with the casualty’s blood
o Wear disposable latex / nitrile gloves if available
o If not, use any available items to create a barrier (e.g: a
plastic bag)
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
afterwards
• Seek medical advice if you are concerned

firstaidpowerpoint.com
 First aid for minor wounds
1. Wear gloves if available
2. Clean the wound thoroughly with antiseptic wipes or
saline
3. Do not remove any embedded objects (e.g: glass) –
seek medical advice
4. Cover the wound using a clean dressing (plaster,
non-adherent pad etc.)
5. Seek medical advice if there are any signs of
infection – redness, swelling or the area is warm to
the touch

firstaidpowerpoint.com