When a casualty has a face or neck injury, perform the measures
below.
a. Step ONE. Clear the airway. Be prepared to perform
any of the basic lifesaving steps. Clear the casualty's airway
(mouth) with your fingers, remove any blood, mucus, pieces of
broken teeth or bone, or bits of flesh, as well as any dentures.
b. Step TWO. Control any bleeding, especially bleeding
that obstructs the airway. Do this by applying direct pressure
over a first aid dressing or by applying pressure at specific
pressure points on the face, scalp, or temple. (See Appendix E for further information on pressure points.) If the casualty is
bleeding from the mouth, position him as indicated (c below) and
apply manual pressure.
CAUTION
Take care not to apply too much pressure to the scalp if a
skull fracture is suspected.
c. Step THREE. Position the casualty. If the casualty
is bleeding from the mouth (or has other drainage, such as mucus,
vomitus, or so forth) and is conscious, place him in a comfortable
sitting position and have him lean forward with his head tilted
slightly down to permit free drainage (Figure 3-12).
DO NOT use the sitting position if--
- It would be harmful to the casualty because of other injuries.
- The casualty is unconscious, in which case, place him on his
side (Figure 3-13). If there is a suspected
injury to the neck or spine immobilize the head before turning
the casualty on his side.
CAUTION
If you suspect the casualty has a neck/spinal injury, then
immobilize his head/neck and
treat him as outlined in Chapter 4.
d. Step FOUR. Perform other measures.
(1) Apply dressings/bandages to specific areas of the face.
(2) Check for missing teeth and pieces of tissue. Check for
detached teeth in the airway. Place detached teeth, pieces of
ear or nose on a field dressing and send them along with the casualty
to the medical facility. Detached teeth should be kept damp.
(3) Treat for shock and seek medical treatment IMMEDIATELY.
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