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How to Give Basic Trauma First Aid for Stabbing Victims
Published: September 27, 2023 | Last Updated: September 27, 2023
Importance of Basic Trauma First Aid in Emergencies
In emergencies involving trauma, such as stabbing incidents, providing immediate first aid can significantly affect the outcome for the victim. Basic trauma first aid aims to stabilise the individual and prevent further harm until professional medical help arrives. It plays a crucial role in saving lives and minimising long-term complications. However, when faced with a stabbing victim, your immediate priority is always to check for further dangers; otherwise, you too could become a victim. Always call for professional medical help immediately.
Understanding the steps involved in trauma first aid can empower you to be prepared and confident during such emergencies. In this blog, we explain how.
Stabilising a Victim of Harm or Injury from Stabbing
In emergencies involving trauma, such as stabbing incidents, providing immediate first aid can significantly affect the outcome for the victim. Basic trauma first aid aims to stabilise the individual and prevent further harm until professional medical help arrives. It plays a crucial role in saving lives and minimising long-term complications. However, when faced with a stabbing victim, your immediate priority is always to check for further dangers; otherwise, you too could become a victim. Always call for professional medical help immediately.
Understanding the steps involved in trauma first aid can empower you to be prepared and confident during such emergencies. In this blog, we explain how.
1. Assess the situation
When stabilising a victim of harm or injury from a stabbing, it's vital to ensure your safety and the safety of others. As mentioned above, check the scene is safe and secure before approaching the victim. Look out for any potential dangers or ongoing threats, such as the presence of the assailant, sharp objects, or other hazards.
2. Maintain calmness and reassure the victim
Approach the victim calmly and speak reassuringly to help keep them calm. Your calm presence can help alleviate their anxiety and promote a sense of safety and trust. Reassure them that help is on the way and that you will do your best to assist them.
3. Apply pressure to control bleeding
The first step in stabilising a stabbing victim is controlling bleeding. If the victim is bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or your gloved hand. Maintain pressure continuously until medical professionals arrive. If the bleeding is severe and doesn't stop with direct pressure, consider applying additional pressure using a bandage or dressing. Do not remove any existing dressing or cloth already covering the wound.
4. Elevate injured limb(s)
If possible, elevate the wounded area of a limb above the level of the heart. This can help reduce blood flow to the wound and minimise bleeding. However, be cautious not to elevate an injured limb if it causes more pain or discomfort to the victim or compromises their position or safety.
5. Do not remove any embedded objects
If you notice any embedded objects, do not remove them. Removing the object can worsen the bleeding or cause further damage. Leave it in place and stabilise it by applying pressure around the object without directly touching it. Let the medical professionals handle the extraction of the embedded object.
6. Keep the victim warm and comfortable
Maintaining the victim's body temperature is crucial to prevent further complications.
Remember: The steps mentioned here are general guidelines for stabilising a stabbing victim. Stay with the victim, monitor their condition, and provide comfort and reassurance until medical help arrives. It's crucial to seek professional medical help by calling emergency services immediately.
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Providing Trauma First Aid
Specific fundamental actions should be followed when providing trauma first aid for stabbing victims. These include:
Ensuring personal safety: Before approaching the victim, ensure the scene is safe for you and others. Assess the situation for potential dangers, such as ongoing violence, and take appropriate precautions.
Activating emergency medical services: Call for professional medical help immediately. Provide clear and concise information about the incident, location, and victim's condition. If possible, delegate this task to someone nearby while you attend to the victim.
Stop the bleeding: this comes first, then observing and managing the airway and breathing. If an individual stops breathing after you have stopped the bleeding, you may need to administer CPR.
Providing comfort and reassurance: While waiting for professional help, offer comfort and reassurance to the victim. Maintain eye contact, speak calmly, and provide emotional support to help alleviate their anxiety.
To carry out these actions effectively, the following behaviours are essential.
Clear-headedness
For any of us, it’s easy to become distracted when faced with an unimaginable situation. To provide effective trauma first aid, you must keep a clear and focused mind, as maintaining a clear-headed approach is paramount when giving trauma first aid to stabbing victims.
It's natural to feel panicked or overwhelmed in such situations, but keeping a calm and composed demeanour allows for better decision-making and efficient execution of life-saving measures.
Quick Thinking
Every second following a traumatic event, such as a stabbing, is precious for the victim's life. Quick thinking and jumping into action can reduce fatality risk in any incident. That’s because time is of the essence when dealing with trauma cases. Quick thinking involves recognising critical symptoms, such as severe bleeding or difficulty breathing, and addressing them immediately. Assess the victim's condition promptly and prioritise interventions accordingly.
A Calm Approach
It is crucial to remain rational about the situation and focus on the task. Remaining calm reduces any additional worry or panic that could worsen what is already happening. This approach is beneficial for the victim and those around you. Panicking can escalate the situation and hinder your ability to provide effective aid. Staying composed can inspire confidence in others and maintain a focused mindset.
Conclusion
It's important to note that basic trauma first aid is not a substitute for professional medical care. Once emergency medical services arrive, they should take over and provide definitive care. However, by providing immediate assistance and initiating life-saving measures, basic trauma first aid can significantly improve the chances of survival and positive outcomes for stabbing victims and others facing traumatic injuries.
The steps covered in this blog are not exhaustive, and the specifics of trauma first aid can vary depending on the situation and the victim's condition. It is highly recommended to undergo formal first aid training and familiarise yourself with local emergency services to comprehensively understand trauma first aid techniques.
Trauma First Aid Training From ATR
ATR provides trauma first aid and HEAT training with real-world applications. Our trainers often come from military backgrounds and have first-hand experience handling hostile environments and the awareness required to perform first-aid in a hostile, dangerous environment.
Please contact us if you’d like to learn more about trauma first aid training or book a course with us.