Lecture 11

The body's abdominal cavity contains organs such as the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, kidneys, and spleen. Several large arteries and veins are also located in the abdominal cavity. An object that punctures the muscular abdominal wall can injure one or more organs, cause severe bleeding, and cause infection which could spread to the organs within the cavity.

An open abdominal wound can be caused by the muscular abdominal wall being penetrated by a bullet, by a stab from a knife, by an object blown from an explosion, or by falling on a sharp object.

Abdominal injuries can result from blunt or penetrating trauma and may be accompanied by internal bleeding. It is especially difficult to determine if a person has an abdominal injury if he or she is unresponsive and has no visible signs and symptoms of injury. Always suspect an abdominal injury in a person who has multiple injuries. Conversely, if a person has an abdominal injury, be sure to check the person for other injuries because abdominal injuries are often accompanied by injuries to the chest, pelvis or head.

Signs and symptoms of a serious abdominal injury could include:

• Severe pain.
• Organs protruding from the abdomen.
• A tender, swollen or rigid abdomen.
• Bruising over the abdomen.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting (sometimes blood).
• Signs and symptoms of shock, such as excessive thirst; skin that feels cool or moist and looks pale or bluish; an altered level of consciousness; and a rapid, weak heartbeat.

First aid care for abdominal injuries

• Check the casualty's abdominal region for wounds. 
• Call 103 or the designated emergency number for any serious abdominal injury.
• Carefully position the person on his or her back with his or her knees bent, unless that position causes the person pain or the person has other injuries.

• While you are waiting for help to arrive, monitor the person’s condition and give care for shock, if necessary.
• Abdominal organs may protrude through a severe open wound. If organs are protruding through the wound, do not push them back in and do not apply direct pressure to try and stop minor bleeding.
• After putting on latex-free disposable gloves, remove clothing from around the wound.
• Moisten sterile dressings with clean, warm tap water or saline and apply them loosely over the wound.
• Then cover the dressings loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, if available.