The document provides information on first aid for bleeding, shock, and wound treatment. It describes how to control bleeding through direct pressure and elevation above the heart. It explains the signs of shock which include pale skin, drowsiness, and confusion. Treatment for shock involves lying the casualty down, raising their legs, covering them with a blanket, and calling for emergency help. The document also outlines steps for cleaning and dressing minor wounds.

1. First aid for bleeding and shock
Stratford Upon Avon First Aid

2. The circulatory system
Stratford Upon Avon First Aid
> 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

3. Wound terminology
Stratford Upon Avon First Aid
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
> Object may still be in the wound (foreign / embedded object)

4. Photo: abrasion
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5. First aid for major blood
loss
Stratford Upon Avon First Aid
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

6. Useful mnemonic: PEEP
Stratford Upon Avon First Aid
PEEP is a way of remembering what to do if
someone is bleeding.
P: Position the casualty in a position of rest
E: Elevate above the level of the heart
E: Expose & examine the wound
P: Pressure. Apply direct pressure.

7. What not to do
Stratford Upon Avon First Aid
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

8. Shock (1)
Stratford Upon Avon First Aid
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:
●Pale clammy skin
●Drowsiness
●Thirst
●Confusion
●Nausea & vomiting

9. Shock (2)
Stratford Upon Avon First Aid
If you suspect a casualty is suffering from shock then
you should:
> Lie them down and raise their legs
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.

10. Photo: Treatment of shock
Stratford Upon Avon First Aid

11. Infection control
Stratford Upon Avon First Aid
> Try and keep the wound as clean as possible
> Try to avoid contact with the casualty’s blood
●Wear disposable latex / nitrile gloves if available
●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

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