immediate management of casualties
Last reviewed 01/2018
- airway must be clear
- immobilise the neck if head or neck injury suspected
- do not move casualties until skilled help and equipment arrive if at all possible
- passengers ejected from vehicles are likely to have serious injuries including to the cervical spine
- breathing - consider cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- circulation
- control haemorrhage by pressure and elevation
- do not use tourniquets
- in shock or risk of shock, such as a suspected fractured femur, set up a Haemaccel i.v. drip: this does not affect cross-matching
- disability - put unconscious patients into the recovery position
- give opiate pain relief if needed but not if there is a significant head injury or the possibility of intraperitoneal injury: ambulances carry Entonox
- nil by mouth minimises the risk of inhalation of vomit
- protect from cold but don't apply heat as it worsens the risk of hypovolaemia