| *a. Evaluate the Casualty (081-831-1000).
Be prepared to perform lifesaving measures. The basic lifesaving
measures may include clearing the airway, rescue breathing, treatment for shock, and/or bleeding control.
b. Check Level of Consciousness/Responsiveness (081-831-1033).
With a head injury, an important area to evaluate is the casualty's
level of consciousness and responsiveness. Ask the casualty questions
such as--
- "What is your name?" (Person)
- "Where are you?" (Place)
- "What day/month/year is it?" (Time)
Any incorrect responses, inability to answer, or changes in responses
should be reported to medical personnel. Check the casualty's
level of consciousness every 15 minutes and note any changes from
earlier observations.
c. Position the Casualty (081-831-1033).
WARNING (081-831-1033)
DO NOT move the casualty if you suspect he has sustained a
neck, spine or severe
head injury (which produces any signs or
symptoms other than minor bleeding). See
task 081-831-1000, Evaluate
the Casualty.
- If the casualty is conscious or has a minor (superficial)
scalp wound:
o Have the casualty sit up (unless other injuries prohibit or
he is unable); OR
o If the casualty is lying down and is not accumulating fluids
or drainage in his throat, elevate his head slightly; OR
o If the casualty is bleeding from or into his mouth or throat,
turn his head to the side or position him on his side so that
the airway will be clear. Avoid pressure on the wound or place
him on his side--opposite the site of the injury (Figure 3-1). |
- If the casualty is unconscious or has a severe head injury,
then suspect and treat him as having a potential neck or spinal
injury, immobilize and DO NOT move the casualty.
NOTE (081-831-1033)
If the casualty is choking and/or vomiting or is bleeding
from or into his mouth (thus compromising his airway), position
him on his side so that his airway will be clear.
Avoid pressure
on the wound; place him on his side opposite the side of the injury.
WARNING (081-831-1033)
If it is necessary to turn a casualty with a suspected neck/spine
injury; roll the casualty
gently onto his side, keeping the head,
neck, and body aligned while providing
support for the head and
neck. DO NOT roll the casualty by yourself but seek
assistance.
Move him only if absolutely necessary, otherwise keep
the casualty
immobilized to prevent further damage to the neck/spine.
d. Expose the Wound (081-831-1033).
- Remove the casualty's helmet (if necessary).
- In a chemical environment:
o If mask and/or hood is not breached, apply no dressing to
the head wound casualty. If the "all clear" has
not been given, DO NOT remove the casualty's mask to attend
the head wound; OR
o If mask and/or hood have been breached and the "all
clear" has not been given, try to repair the breach
with tape and apply no dressing; OR
o If mask and/or hood have been breached and the "all clear"
has been given, the mask can be removed and a dressing
applied. |
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to clean the wound, or remove a protruding object.
NOTE
If there is an object extending from the wound DO NOT remove
the object. Improvise
bulky dressings from the cleanest material
available and place these dressings around the
protruding object
for support after applying the field dressing.
NOTE
Always use the casualty's field dressing, not your own!
| e. Apply a Dressing to a Wound
of the Forehead/Back of Head (081-831-1033). To
apply a dressing to a wound of the forehead or back of the head-- |
(3) Hold the dressing (white side
down) directly over the wound. DO NOT touch the white (sterile)
side of the dressing or allow anything except the wound to come
in contact with the white side.
(4) Place it directly over the wound.
(5) Hold it in place with one hand. If the casualty is able,
he may assist.
(6) Wrap the first tail horizontally around the head, ensure
the tail covers the dressing (Figure 3-2).
|
(7) Hold the first tail in place and
wrap the second tail the opposite direction, covering the dressing
(Figure 3-3).
|
(8) Tie a nonslip knot and secure
the tails at the side of the head, making sure they DO NOT cover
the eyes or ears (Figure 3-4). |
| f. Apply a Dressing to a Wound
on Top of the Head (081-831-1033). To apply a dressing to
a wound on top of the head-- |
(5) Hold it in place with one hand. If the casualty is able,
he may assist.
(6) Wrap one tail down under the chin
(Figure 3-6), up in front of the ear,
over the dressing, and in front of the other ear.
|
WARNING
(Make sure the tails remain wide and close to the front of
the chin to avoid choking the
casualty.)
(7) Wrap the remaining tail under
the chin in the opposite direction and up the side of the face
to meet the first tail (Figure 3-7).
|
(8) Cross the tails (Figure 3-8),
bringing one around the forehead (above the eyebrows) and the
other around the back of the head (at the base of the skull) to
a point just above and in front of the opposite ear, and tie them
using a nonslip knot (Figure 3-9).
|
g. Apply a Triangular Bandage to the Head. To apply
a triangular bandage to the head--
(1) Turn the base (longest side) of the bandage up and center
its base on center of the forehead, letting the point (apex) fall
on the back of the neck (Figure 3-10 A).
(2) Take the ends behind the head and cross the ends over
the apex.
(3) Take them over the forehead and tie them (Figure 3-10 B).
(4) Tuck the apex behind the crossed part of the bandage and/or
secure it with a safety pin, if available (Figure 3-10 C).
h. Apply a Cravat Bandage to the Head. To apply a
cravat bandage to the head--
(1) Place the middle of the bandage over the dressing (Figure 3-11 A).
(2) Cross the two ends of the bandage in opposite directions
completely around the head (Figure 3-11 B).
(3) Tie the ends over the dressing (Figure 3-11 C).
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