Figure 1-14.-Direct pressure.

only tight enough to stop the bleeding, and firmly

trunk-and it must be applied as close to the wound

fasten it in position with a bandage. In the absence of

as practicable.

sterile dressings, use a compress made with a clean

Any long, flat material can be used as a band for

rag, handkerchief, or towel to apply direct pressure to

a tourniquet--belts, stockings, flat strips of rubber, or

the wound, as in figure 1-14. If the bleeding does not

a neckerchief. Only tighten the tourniquet enough to

stop, firmly secure another dressing over the first

stop the flow of blood. Use a marker, skin pencil,

dressing, or apply direct pressure with your hand or

crayon, or blood, and mark a large T on the victim's

fingers over the dressing. Under no circumstances is a

forehead.

dressing to be removed once it is applied.

Pressure Points

WARNING

If the direct-pressure method does not stop the

bleeding, use the pressure point nearest the wound, as

Remember, a tourniquet is ONLY used

shown in figure 1-15. Bleeding from a cut artery or

as a last resort to control bleeding that

vein may often be controlled by applying pressure to

cannot be controlled by other means.

the appropriate pressure point. A pressure point is a

Tourniquets should be removed as soon as

place where the main artery to the injured part lies near

the skin surface and over a bone. Pressure at such a

possible by medical personnel only.

point is applied with the fingers or with the hand; no

first-aid materials are required. Pressure points should

be used with caution, as they may cause damage to the

BURNS

limb as a result of an inadequate flow of blood. When

the use of pressure points is necessary, do not

The causes of burns are generally classified as

substitute them for direct pressure; use both.

thermal, electrical, chemical, or radiation. Whatever

the cause, shock always results if the burns are

Use of a Tourniquet

extensive.

A tourniquet is a constricting band that is used to

cut off the supply of blood to an injured limb. It

Thermal burns are caused by exposure to intense

heat, such as that generated by fire, bomb flash,

cannot be used to control bleeding from the head,

neck, or body, since its use in these locations would

sunlight, hot liquids, hot solids, and hot gases. Their

result in greater injury or death. A tourniquet should

care depends upon the severity of the burn and the

be used on an injured limb only as a last resort for

percentage of the body area involved.

severe, life-threatening hemorrhaging that cannot be

controlled by any other method. A tourniquet must be

Electrical burns are caused by electric current

applied ABOVE the wound--that is, towards the

passing through tissues or the superficial wound

caused by electrical flash. They may be far more

serious than they first appear. The entrance wound

may be small; but as electricity penetrates the skin, it

burns a large area below the surface. Usually there are

two external burn areas: one where the current enters

the body, and another where it leaves.

Chemical burns for the most part are not caused by

heat, but by direct chemical destruction of body tissues.

When acids, alkalies, or other chemicals come in

contact with the skin or other body membranes, they can

cause injuries that are generally referred to as chemical

burns. The areas most often affected are the extremities,

mouth, and eyes. Alkali burns are usually more serious

than acid burns, because they penetrate deeper and

Figure 1-14.-Direct pressure.

burn longer. When chemical burns occur, emergency

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