Crush Injuries
Bleeding
- These injuries are caused by the prolonged pressure caused by impact of a car accident or by falling masonry, by a mine shaft collapse or a trench cave in, by an industrial accident or due to the bodyweight of an unconscious person.
FIRST AID
- If it is safe and physically possible, all crushing forces should be removed as soon as possible after the crush injury.
- Call an ambulance.
- Keep the casualty comfortable.
- DO NOT use a tourniquet for the first aid management of a crush injury.
- Continue to monitor the casualty’s condition and vital signs.
IMPORTANT:
Although you can find the casualty alert and not unduly distressed but severe and irreversible damage may have been sustained and the casualty’s condition may deteriorate rapidly. If the crushing force is applied to HEAD, NECK CHEST OR ABDOMEN and is not removed promptly death may ensue from breathing failure, heart failure or blood loss.