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Immediate management of casualties

Authoring team

  • airway must be clear
    • immobilise the neck if head or neck injury suspected
    • do not move casualties until skilled help and equipment arrive if at all possible
    • passengers ejected from vehicles are likely to have serious injuries including to the cervical spine
  • breathing - consider cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
  • circulation
    • control haemorrhage by pressure and elevation
    • do not use tourniquets
    • in shock or risk of shock, such as a suspected fractured femur, set up a Haemaccel i.v. drip: this does not affect cross-matching
  • disability - put unconscious patients into the recovery position
  • give opiate pain relief if needed but not if there is a significant head injury or the possibility of intraperitoneal injury: ambulances carry Entonox
  • nil by mouth minimises the risk of inhalation of vomit
  • protect from cold but don't apply heat as it worsens the risk of hypovolaemia

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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