In our CrashSavers Trauma course, we present a series of hemorrhage control techniques for our simulation model, as these skills are often taught merely by observation and without substantial feedback on how to appropriately apply pressure to stop bleeding. Inadequate training can lead to poor technique in hemorrhage control and ultimately, ongoing bleeding and death that could have been preventable. Studies have shown that practice in hemorrhage control techniques is effective, and thus, formalized training and hands-on practice are essential.[1][2] Our novel, hands-on simulator model will empower first responders and healthcare providers in Guatemala and other countries with the competence and confidence in applying different hemorrhage control techniques as part of the initial trauma triage performed in the prehospital setting.
Through our course, prehospital providers will learn 4 techniques for hemorrhage control:
- Application of external pressure to a bleeding superficial wound
- Application of packing into a bleeding deep wound
- Application of a tourniquet to a bleeding extremity
- Insertion and deployment of a foley catheter in a wound that is profusely bleeding or in an anatomic junction (ie. base of neck, axilla, groin)
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Baruch EN, Benov A, Shina A, Berg AL, Shlaifer A, Glassberg E, Aden JK 3rd, Bader T, Kragh JF Jr, Yitzhak A. Does practice make perfect? Prospectively comparing effects of 2 amounts of practice on tourniquet use performance. Am J Emerg Med. 2016 Dec;34(12):2356-2361. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2016.08.048. Epub 2016 Aug 27. PMID: 27614373.
- ↑ Dennis A, Bajani F, Schlanser V, Tatebe LC, Impens A, Ivkovic K, Li A, Pickett T, Butler C, Kaminsky M, Messer T, Starr F, Mis J, Bokhari F. Missing expectations: Windlass tourniquet use without formal training yields poor results. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2019 Nov;87(5):1096-1103. doi: 10.1097/TA.0000000000002431. PMID: 31274827.
