What issues should be considered in first aid for traumatic injuries?

In general, first aid for traumatic injuries should be performed scientifically while ensuring personal safety. Key considerations include prioritizing vital sign assessment, properly managing bleeding wounds, avoiding blind movement of the injured person, correctly handling fractured areas, and properly cleaning and protecting wounds. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Prioritize assessment of vital signs: During first aid, first check the victim's level of consciousness, breathing, and heartbeat. If the person is unconscious, not breathing, or has a weak pulse, immediately begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Do not focus on treating local injuries first. Only after stabilizing vital signs does subsequent local first aid become meaningful.

2. Proper management of bleeding wounds: For bleeding wounds, choose an appropriate method of hemostasis based on the amount of blood loss. For minor bleeding, apply pressure with clean gauze to stop the bleeding. For severe bleeding, use a tourniquet or cloth bandage tied above the wound (closer to the heart). Be sure to record the time of application and release it every 30–60 minutes for 1–2 minutes each time to prevent tissue damage from prolonged ischemia.

3. Avoid moving the injured person unnecessarily: If spinal, neck, or major fractures are suspected, do not move the person or change their position arbitrarily. Keep the body straight and immobilize them using rigid supports such as a wooden board or door before transportation. Improper movement may worsen bone displacement and potentially cause nerve or spinal cord injury.

4. Correct handling of fractures: When a fracture is identified, use rigid materials such as sticks or wooden boards as splints to immobilize the broken area. The splint should extend beyond the joints above and below the fracture site. It should be secured firmly but not too tightly—ideally, one finger should fit between the splint and limb—to avoid impairing circulation or rendering the immobilization ineffective. Minimize movement of the fractured area.

5. Clean and protect the wound: When treating open wounds, first rinse the wound with saline solution or clean water to remove surface contaminants. Then disinfect the surrounding skin with antiseptics such as iodine solution. Avoid applying alcohol directly into the wound, as this can irritate tissues and increase pain. After disinfection, cover the wound with sterile gauze to reduce the risk of infection.

When administering first aid for trauma, remain calm and strictly follow correct procedures. If the victim’s condition remains unstable after initial care, seek immediate hospital treatment to ensure comprehensive medical management.