First aid for abdominal injury with protruding organs

Authors: Simulation and Certification Center

Editor: Rednenko V.V.

Clinical situation:

A passerby was hit by a car while crossing the road. The driver stopped, called an ambulance and called you for help. You have arrived at the scene of the accident. The casualty is unconscious, breathing and having a pulse. There is a wound on the front surface of the abdomen through which the abdominal organs protrude. The scene of accident is safe.

Provide first aid to the person.

Equipment for the practical skill:

• simulator;
• vehicle first aid kit;
• bottle with water;
• plastic bag.

The procedure for performing a practical skill

• Make sure the scene is safe.
• Examine the casualty.
• Identify a type of the problem.
• Have someone call 103 or the designated emergency number.
• Position the person in a supine position
• Loosen any tight clothing, such as a belt or a shirt.
• Prepare a dressing with size more than the wound. You can use items from the first aid kit for this:
• cotton-gauze pads  of individual sterile medical dressing package;
• sterile gauze pads.
• Wet the dressing with clean water from a bottle.

• Cover wound with the wet dressing. Do not touch any protruding intestine, and do not put pressure on the wound.

• Cover the dressing with a clean plastic bag.
• Secure this dressing loosely with bandages

• Raise and support the casualty’s knees
• Monitor vital signs – breathing, pulse, and level of response – while waiting for help to arrive.