Updated First Aid Guidelines for Catastrophic Bleeding

The European Resuscitation Council's latest guidelines have introduced advanced first aid techniques for catastrophic bleeding, highlighting the use of tourniquets and haemostatic dressings. This guide reviews these critical updates and their implications for first aiders.

Introduction to New Bleeding Control Methods

New Options for First Aiders: Tourniquets and haemostatic dressings are now recommended for controlling severe bleeding that cannot be managed by direct pressure or pressure dressings alone.

Changes in Bleeding Control Techniques

• Discontinued Practices: The use of indirect pressure points and limb elevation for bleeding control has been discontinued due to ineffectiveness.
• Elevation and Indirect Pressure: Previously taught methods like limb elevation and applying indirect pressure are no longer recommended, as they have not proven effective in controlling serious bleeds.

The Role of Elevation Slings

While the elevation of limbs has been found ineffective for stopping bleeding, elevation slings are still used to keep injuries safe and slightly reduce blood pressure.

Simplifying Training

Eliminating ineffective bleeding control techniques has streamlined training processes, making it easier for first aiders to remember and apply critical treatment methods for serious bleeds.

Advanced First Aid Techniques

Further training materials will explore the use of tourniquets and haemostatic dressings, which have been successfully utilised by Emergency Medical Services and military personnel for years.

First Aid in Various Scenarios

First aiders may encounter a range of injuries, both in the workplace and in public settings, including incidents of terrorism, multiple casualty accidents, and other serious emergencies.

Core First Aid Protocols

This course will focus on advanced bleeding control and will not cover standard first aid protocols like scene safety and infection control, assuming these practices are already understood.

Understanding the full extent of injuries is crucial to ensure comprehensive treatment and avoid missing any critical injuries.