Critical medical emergencies can occur at any time, and being prepared to intervene quickly can mean the difference between life and death. Admittedly, we live in a major European city, with fast, efficient emergency services. However, in some exceptional situations, such as the Paris or Nice attacks, the first few minutes can be vital in making that difference. What are the key techniques for rapid, effective intervention? Find out in this article. You'll also learn about first aid in dangerous situations, as well as controlling massive hemorrhage through the use of tourniquets, hemostatic dressings and the effective use of emergency pressure bandages.

1. First aid steps

Early intervention is essential in critical medical emergencies. First aid can stabilize the victim until medical professionals arrive. Here are the steps to follow:

• Scene assessment: Before intervening, make sure the environment is safe for you and the victim. Assess potential hazards and make sure professional help is on the way.
• Emergency call: Dialing the emergency number (112 in Europe) is the crucial first step. Provide precise information on the situation, location and condition of the victim.
• Primary examination: Quickly perform a primary examination to identify vital problems such as massive bleeding, breathing, circulation and the victim's state of consciousness. This will enable you to prioritize the actions to be taken.
• CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): If the victim is not breathing, immediately begin CPR by performing chest compressions, alternating with mouth-to-mouth if necessary.

At SAHCO Consulting, we offer specific training on this subject. Click here to find out more.

2. How important is the tourniquet?

The tourniquet is a crucial tool in critical medical emergencies, particularly for controlling severe bleeding. In the event of serious injury, it is essential to stop blood loss quickly to avoid hypovolemic shock. Placed correctly, ideally 6cm above the wound, the tourniquet blocks blood flow to the affected area. It's important to note that the tourniquet should be used as a last resort, and only on extremities, when other compression methods fail to control bleeding.

Hemostatic dressing

This very special dressing is designed for wounds that are impossible to tourniquet and resistant to simple compression. Typically junctional wounds (neck fold, axillary groin, femoral groin...). Here are the steps to follow:

• Stop the bleeding. Immediately! Immediately apply direct pressure to the wound, using gauze, a clean cloth, your elbow, your knee - whatever it takes to slow or stop the bleeding - until you have time to take out your dressing materials.
• Place your gloved fingers - with or without a dressing - in the wound to apply initial pressure to the target area (vein, artery or both) and compress the source of bleeding.
• Pack the wound with gauze. Tightly! Your aim is to pack the wound cavity completely and tightly to stop the bleeding. Start packing the gauze into the wound with your finger, while maintaining pressure on the wound.
• Keep packing the wound! The key to a successful dressing is to pack the wound very tightly, applying as much pressure as possible to the bleeding vessel. This pressure on the vessel is the most important element in controlling bleeding.
• Apply very firm pressure to the packed wound for 3-10 minutes. This step pushes the dressing firmly against the bleeding vessel and promotes coagulation.

3. How to use the emergency pressure bandage?

Emergency compression bandages are essential for controlling bleeding and maintaining pressure on a wound. Here's how to use a pressure bandage effectively:

• Cleaning the wound: Before applying the pressure bandage, make sure the wound is clean. If possible, use a disinfectant or saline solution to minimize the risk of infection (although in the case of heavy bleeding, infection will be the least of your problems).
• Positioning the bandage: Place the compression bandage directly on the wound, exerting constant pressure. Be careful not to over-tighten to avoid impeding blood circulation.
• Securing the bandage: Make sure the bandage is securely fastened using clips or adhesive strips. This will ensure that it stays in place and continues to exert pressure on the wound.

By following this simple process, you'll be able to use compression bandaging effectively to limit bleeding and heal wounds.

4. How important is training and preparation? 

The key to a successful response to a medical emergency lies in training, preparation and, above all, practice. Taking first aid courses and learning how to use a tourniquet and pressure bandage correctly can mean the difference between life and death. First-aid kits should be accessible and well-equipped to deal with a variety of emergency situations.

To find out more about our training courses, please click here.

Things to remember 

When faced with a critical medical emergency, rapid and effective intervention can save lives. Knowledge and mastery of techniques such as tourniquet use, wound packing, first aid and pressure bandaging are essential to ensure the victim's safety until professional help arrives. Ongoing training and preparation are key to being ready for any emergency medical situation.

If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.