Hemostais/Stop Ya From Bleeding to Death Products

[hosejockey2002]

I'm not an ER doc or anything like that, just a fireman, but I'm thinking that the likelihood of a person self-administering this stuff on a profuse arterial bleed is pretty slim. If the wound is an arterial bleed and is spurting, the bleeding would have to be at least slowed down in order to administer a coagulant, otherwise the stuff would be just pushed out by the spurting blood. The concept is interesting, though. If this stuff is really what it is supposed to be, I expect we'll be seeing it on our rigs in the near future.

 

[OkieG]

In the OR we have topical coagulants (applied directly to the wound) used to control oozing. For that use they work well. They are not typically used for cuts in large vessels during surgery. To the best of my knowledge, the products we use are not intended for field use.

However, if the Army has coagulants for field use, they are very likely of benefit in some situations. My ignorance on this topic keeps me from telling you exactly what those situations are. Directions on the package and website information might be helpful.

Direct pressure is the best way to control bleeding from a large vessel/spurting artery. If you press a bandage on the wound, the thicker the bandage, the more dispersed and less effective the direct pressure is. In the OR we use a tourniquet above the wound for direct pressure. In the field, your finger or hand can be effective for applying pressure.

Whatever you do, seek help/medical attention right away!

If you decide a coagulant is worthwhile to have, be aware that most medications have an expiration date...usually no more than a couple years down the road. Replace with a new product at or before expiration time.

OkieG

 

[Rick Jay]

O.K. Good time to mention this...

My heartfelt thanks for all of you EMT's, ER and all other medical professionals for your dedication. You are a special breed.

I'm mentioning this 'cause I have had need for emergency services a few times in my life AND 'cause I realized I'm getting "queazy" just reading this thread. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

~Rick

 

[herbenus]

I did a search for topical coagulants and haven't found anything yet, that I could buy. Anything out there available for tractor guys?

 

[Anonymous Poster]

It's amazing the things one learns on TBN first...

From our local paper

 

[hazmat]

<font color="blue"> but I'm thinking that the likelihood of a person self-administering this stuff on a profuse arterial bleed is pretty slim. </font>

I agree. I'm currently taking Outdoor Emergency Care training (Ski Patrol) which is the equivalent of EMT-basic minus the ambulance. Just finished up bleeding & shock.

1. Apply direct pressure
2. Elevate the wound
3. Apply pressure at pressure point (anywhere you have a pulse "upstream" of the wound) - not applicable for head or trunk injuries.
4. LAST RESORT torniquet

Most bleeding can be controlled within 10 minutes, all bleeding stops eventually /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif The paramedics & EMT's teaching the course, with several years experience relate that they haven't seen bleeding in normal patients that can't be controlled with steps 1-3. The wild card is hemopheliacs and persons on blood "thinners" (anti clotting). If you are on a blood thinner, I'd think twice about such things as using a chainsaw.

As always an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

PS guess what's on the list of items to be carried in pack? Thats right, sanitary pad.

 

[hosejockey2002]

Hazmat- I don't know if they are teaching this these days, but a "trick of the trade" I've used a few times on extremity arterial bleeds is applying a blood pressure cuff proximal to the injury and inflating it just enough to control the arterial bleed. It doesn't completely cut off circulation to the extremity, just reduces the perfusion pressure enough to make the bleed controllable.

 

[hfd376]

The BP cuff trick works pretty slick. I learned that from an ALS provider on the Squad I used to run with. She was a real trauma magnet. If she was riding on your shift, you could bet your skills would be challenged.

As a matter of fact, I learned it on a call where a logger tangled with a chain saw. We followed a log skidder in the ambulance back in the woods a mile to reach him, as the skidder cut the road for us.

What saved him from bleeding to death there in the woods was a first aid course, 4 sanitary napkins and roller bandages, that he and his partners carried with them in fanny packs.

The simple stuff really does work well.

Doug

 

[hazmat]

Hosejockey,

Yup they did mention the blood pressure cuff trick. Also air splints.

 

[OkieG]

<font color="blue"> applying a blood pressure cuff proximal to the injury and inflating it just enough to control the arterial bleed </font>

That is a good "trick", but be aware it is difficult to place a cuff on your own arm.

OkieG