CRUSH INJURY
CAUTION
IS IT AN EMERGENCY?
RECOMMENDED MODULES FOR TREATMENT
BLEEDING
WOUNDS
ESSENTIALS
INJURIES
WHAT TO DO FIRST
ABOUT THE INJURY
A crush injury may include a fracture, swelling, and internal bleeding. The crushing force may cause impaired circulation, resulting in numbness at or below the site of injury. You may not
detect a pulse in a crushed limb.
If the casualty is trapped for any length of time, two serious complications may result. First, prolonged crushing may cause extensive damage to body tissues, especially to muscles. Once the
pressure is removed, shock may develop rapidly as tissue fluid leaks into the injured area.
how to treat it
TREATING AN AMPUTATION
1. If you know the casualty has been crushed for less than 15 minutes and you can release him, do this as quickly as possible. Control external bleeding and steady and support any suspected fracture. Treat the casualty for shock but do not raise his legs.
2. If the casualty has been crushed for more than 15 minutes, or you cannot move the cause of injury, leave him in the position found and comfort and reassure him.
3. Call for emergency help, giving clear details of the incident to the dispatcher.
Monitor and record vital signs—level of response, breathing, and pulse —while waiting for help to arrive.
4, Monitor and record vital signs—level of response, breathing, and pulse —while waiting for help to arrive.
CAUTION
- Do not release a casualty who has been crushed for more than 15 minutes.
- Do not lift heavy objects.
- Do not allow the casualty to eat or drink because an anesthetic may be needed.