When prevention fails: Simple skills to help save a life

Africa has 5% of the world vehicles, but accounts for 20% of the total number of road accidents. Road accidents ​have been steadily on the rise. According to statistics from Kenya’s National Safety and Transport Authority, a ​total of 4,432 road users died in crashes between January 1 and December 13, 2022, marking a nearly four per ​cent increase compared to a similar period . As individuals and organizations endeavor to improve safety on our ​roads, it is important to have first aid skills to prevent negative outcomes from injuries caused by accidents.

The leading cause of preventable death after an injury is uncontrolled bleeding. Bleeding happens when a ​blood vessel (artery, vein or capillary) bursts and is no longer able to contain its content. Blood is an essential ​component of the human body as it not only transports oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, but also ​removes waste products after use.

In cases of severe bleeding, research has shown that with every minute about 100 milliliters (0.1 liter) of blood is ​lost. This means that it would take approximately half an hour to go into cardiac arrest. While healthcare ​providers try their best in these conditions, help rendered by bystanders often is the silver bullet in these cases.

Here is the thing: Our bodies contain an average of 5 liters of blood. On losing just half a liter, we are likely to ​experience dizziness and body weakness. If the blood loss progresses to a liter or two, the body is no longer able ​to keep up with the demand and your organs go into a state termed “shock”, in which they are no longer able ​to be properly nourished with the required nutrients and oxygen. At this stage, the bleeding victim might ​present with cold hands and feet, loss of skin color and extreme thirst; something my colleagues in the medical ​field might refer to as “marked thirst.” On losing 3 liters of blood, your heart is bound to stop due to inadequate ​blood volume. More often than not, professional medical care might not get there in good time to slow this ​progression, and that is where we all come in.

There are three main methods of bleeding control. Direct pressure is our first line of action. This involves ​applying pressure directly on top of the bleeding area; using the palm or dressings. Sterile bandages from the ​first aid kit are recommended but if these are not available, use of pieces of clothes as an improvisation is ​advisable.

Where deep cuts exist, Wound packing before applying direct pressure is recommended. This involves using ​dressings to control the bleeding from the source and reinforcing this to encourage clotting. Widely used ​during surgical procedures, this method has been shown to work effectively to prevent progression to shock.

The third method is the Tourniquet. This involves use of indirect pressure to completely cut off circulation in ​the affected area. This method can only be done on the legs or hands and is used as a last resort when the risk ​of bleeding to death is higher than the risk of losing a body part. To improvise a tourniquet, tie a bandage 2 to 3 ​inches on the upper side away from the bleeding site. Use a piece of wood to twist the bandage until the ​bleeding stops then secure it and keep it there. Keeping a record of the time that the tourniquet was applied ​helps a great deal in decision making for further care.

When the bleeding is internal, give First Aid for shock by laying the casualty down and covering them beneath ​and above. This is because the ground sucks heat, leading to poor clotting and increased bleeding.

Seek medical help for all cases of serious bleeding.

Remember, Stop the bleed – Save a life.