a. Evaluate the Casualty. Be prepared to perform basic
lifesaving measures. It is necessary to check for both entry and
exit wounds. If there are two wounds (entry and exit), treat the
wound that appears more serious first (for example, the heavier
bleeding, protruding organs, larger wound, and so forth). It may
be necessary to improvise dressings for the second wound by using
strips of cloth, a T-shirt, or the cleanest material available.
| b. Position the Casualty. Place
and maintain the casualty on his back with his knees in an upright
(flexed) position (Figure 3-28). The
knees-up position helps relieve pain, assists in the treatment
of shock, prevents further exposure of the bowel (intestines)
or abdominal organs and helps relieve abdominal pressure by allowing
the abdominal muscles to relax. |
| c. Expose the Wound.
(1) Remove the casualty's loose clothing to expose the wound.
However, DO NOT attempt to remove clothing that is stuck to the
wound; it may cause further injury. Thus, remove any loose clothing
from the wound but leave in place the clothing that is stuck.
CAUTION (081-831-1000 and 081-831-1025)
DO NOT REMOVE protective clothing in a chemical environment.
Apply dressings
over the protective clothing.
(2) Gently pick up any organs which may be on the ground. Do this
with a clean, dry dressing or with the cleanest available material.
Place the organs on top of the casualty's abdomen (Figure 3-29). |
| NOTE (081-831-1025)
- DO NOT probe, clean, or try to remove any foreign object from
the abdomen.
- DO NOT touch with bare hands any exposed organs.
- DO NOT push organs back inside the body.
d. Apply the Field Dressing. Use the casualty's field
dressing, not your own. If the field dressing is not large enough
to cover the entire wound, the plastic wrapper from the dressing
may be used to cover the wound first (placing the field dressing
on top). Open the plastic wrapper carefully without touching the
inner surface, if possible. If necessary, other improvised dressings
may be made from clothing, blankets, or the cleanest materials
available because the field dressing and/or wrapper may not be
large enough to cover the entire wound. |
WARNING
If there is an object extending from the wound, DO NOT remove
it. Place as much of
the wrapper over the wound as possible without
dislodging or moving the object. DO
NOT place the wrapper over
the object.
(1) Grasp the tails in both hands.
(2) Hold the dressing with the white,
or cleanest, side down directly over the wound.
(3) Pull the dressing open and place it directly over the wound
(Figure 3-30). If the casualty is able,
he may hold the dressing in place.
|
(4) Hold the dressing in place with one
hand and use the other hand to wrap one of the tails around the
body.
(5) Wrap the other tail in the opposite direction until the dressing
is completely covered. Leave enough of the tail for a knot.
(6) Loosely tie the tails with a nonslip knot at the casualty's
side (Figure 3-31).
|
WARNING
When dressing is applied, DO NOT put pressure on the wound
or exposed internal
parts, because pressure could cause further
injury (vomiting, ruptured intestines, and
so forth). Therefore,
tie the dressing ties (tails) loosely at casualty's side, not
directly
over the dressing.
(7) Tie the dressing firmly enough to prevent slipping without
applying pressure to the wound site (Figure 3-32).
|
| Field dressings can be covered with improvised
reinforcement material (cravats, strips of torn T-shirt, or other
cloth), if available, for additional support and protection. Tie
improvised bandage on the opposite side of the dressing ties firmly
enough to prevent slipping but without applying additional pressure
to the wound.
CAUTION (081-31-1025)
DO NOT give casualties with abdominal wounds food nor water (moistening the lips
is allowed). |
|
