Hypothetical question: Let's say someone is shot or poked or somehow has a hole opened up on their midsection. We have a few folks around, one of which has taken stop the bleed classes and is carrying a TQ and wound packing material. 911 is immediately called.
Option a) Pack the wound and compress. Maintain pressure till EMS arrives.
Option b) Wait till EMS arrives.
Let's say that EMS arrives in 8 minutes.
Option a only happens because someone took a few classes and knows a bit about bleeding, but is no paramedic.
Which option is better?
I don't think anyone here is arguing that EMS will be replaced, but are arguing that simply having a bit of know-how and trauma tools (basic IFAK stuff) can probably help if someone has their pipes leaking.
If someone has a serious bleed from an appendage, don't pretty much all studies show that throwing on a TQ + applying pressure while waiting for EMS are a hell of a lot better than not? If a TQ is applied and EMS shows up 10 minutes later, they can decide to keep it, reapply another one, take it off, or apply alternate wound care, right?
Tourniquets will safe lives on extremity trauma. Pack the wound? Fine give it a shot. I never said don’t take a first aid or stop the bleed class. I’m fact I think you should take those classes.
I said an uncontrolled internal hemorrhage will kill you without a surgeon. I stand by that because it’s a fact.
I’m done answering this. Between myself and others who obviously know what they’re talking about you’ve already been given great advice. Unless someone puts something out that would be harmful to a patient I’m done.
God bless,
Dave
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk