Cabalum Western College

National Service Training Program 102

Instructor: Ms. Lourdes Simpas

FIRST AID FOR

CRUSH INJURIES
FOLLOWNG
AN EARTHQUAKE
Christine Florabelle Amelie A. Arcenas
Bachelor of Science in Office Administration -1
EARTHQUAKES

Earthquakes are natural

phenomenon that has the
potential to cause severe
damage to our society. We
have to be prepared and
learn how to protect
ourselves and our loved
ones.

This includes learning about

First Aid treatment for
common injuries than can
occur.
WHAT IS A “CRUSH” INJURY?

A crush injury is caused by

pressure that is forcefully put on an
organ. The pressure crushed the
skin tissue and then harms the
structure and function of the body
cells. This can also occur if the
body is squeezed between two
objects.

Crush injuries are common in car

accidents, falls and in other
situations where an injury is
caused because of a structure
collapsing.
NATURE OF INJURY FROM A CRUSHING INCIDENT
MINOR INJURIES
• sprained ankle
• bruising
• lacerations – open wounds that could lead to infection
• moderate pain

MAJOR INJURIES
• fractures
• head injuries
• facial trauma
• severe lacerations - open wounds that could lead to infection
• blunt force chest and abdominal trauma
• serious muscle and tissue damage
• numbness and possible paralysis
• internal trauma – ruptured internal organs, collapsed lung, bleeding, closed fractures
RESPONDING TO A CRUSH INCIDENT
1. STAY CALM
• This ensures that you remain alert and able to think clearly; and thus
avoid creating tension and/or stress especially the patient.

2. CALL FOR HELP

• Have someone call for help in the form of ambulances, rescue etc.
• Secure your First Aid Kit
• It could also be possible that a medical practitioner is in the area to
provide expert assistance for the victim.

3. ASSESS THE SITUATION & FORMULATE A PLAN OF ACTION

• While waiting for help to arrive, assess the scene of the incident and the
status of the victim.
• Note important information that might be needed by the responders.
RESPONDING TO A CRUSH INCIDENT
4. SAFETY FIRST
• PERSONAL SAFETY - Have PPE if possible for both the responder and
victim, such as helmet, eye protection, gloves, mask, etc;
• SCENE SAFETY – Identify immediate danger (fire, further collapse,
drowning) and secure/stabilize it accordingly.
• Can you safely approach the victim to provide first aid?

5. EVALUATE THE VICTIM

• CONSCIOUSNESS – gauge the responsiveness of the victim and gather
information
• VITAL SIGNS – breathing, body temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate
• EXTERNAL INJURIES – check for wounds, bruises, bleeding and visible
fractures
• OTHER POSSIBLE INJURIES – internal damages, neck or spinal injury
RESPONDING TO A CRUSH INCIDENT

6. MOVING THE VICTIM

• Determine the safety, necessity and
possibility of moving the victim and
removing the crushing forces.
• “LIFE, OVER LIMB” which means that if the
person’s life is in danger by remaining there
then its best to move the patient to a safe
area.
• In most incidents, the victim should not be moved if the scene is safe
and there is no life-threatening danger for the patient. The victim may
have sustained injuries, which could be worsened if moved.
• Moving heavy items from patients that are trapped could cause the
patient to go into shock and subsequently cardiac arrest if the
necessary precautions have not been taken or destabilize the structure.
RESPONDING TO A CRUSH INCIDENT
7. TREATING THE VICTIM
MINOR LACERATIONS
• Wash thoroughly with running water and mild
soap
• DO NOT assume that a minor wound is clean
because you can't see dirt or debris inside.
Always wash it.
• For punctures, check for foreign objects in the
wound but do not remove it.
• DO NOT push or pick debris from a wound.
• Apply antibacterial ointment and a clean
bandage that will not stick to the wound
RESPONDING TO A CRUSH INCIDENT
7. TREATING THE VICTIM
BLEEDING
• Apply direct pressure on the area
and cover it with a wet cloth or
bandage to avoid
contamination/infection
• DO NOT try to clean a major wound,
especially after the bleeding is under control.
• Elevate the affected area if possible
• Do not attempt to apply a tourniquet unless the injury is life-threatening
(pulsating bleeding, decreased level of consciousness, paleness, etc) If
needed due to severe blood loss, place it two inches above the wound and
never on a joint.
• If organs are showing through the wound, do not try to push them back
RESPONDING TO A CRUSH INCIDENT
7. TREATING THE VICTIM
INTERNAL BLEEDING
• there is a possibility of severe internal bleeding if there are any abdominal,
pelvic, groin, neck, or chest wound
• Symptoms may include confusion, drowsiness or unconsciousness;
bruising, swelling, paleness etc
• Do NOT give anything to eat or drink
• If they are unconscious, place them on their right side (considering it has
no injury) and monitor breathing
• Visible signs of internal bleeding includes vomiting especially with blood
and coughing up frothy, bloodied sputum.
BRUISING
• Apply a cool compress to the area as soon as possible to reduce pain
• Do not place ice directly on the skin; wrap the ice in a towel first.
RESPONDING TO A CRUSH INCIDENT
7. TREATING THE VICTIM
FRACTURE/DISLOCATED JOINT
• Don’t try to line up the fracture unless
you are medically trained to do so.
• Treat open wounds or bleeding first.
• DO NOT apply a tourniquet to the extremity
to stop the bleeding unless it is life threatening.
Tissue can only survive for a limited amount
of time once a tourniquet is applied.
• If needed, immobilize the broken bone with a splint or sling. Possible
splints include a rolled up newspaper or strips of wood. Immobilize the
area both above and below the injured bone
• Apply ice packs to reduce pain and swelling. Elevating the limb can also
help to reduce swelling.
RESPONDING TO A CRUSH INCIDENT
7. TREATING THE VICTIM
FRACTURE/DISLOCATED JOINT
• Check the person's blood circulation.
• Press firmly over the skin beyond the
fracture site. (For example, if the fracture is
in the leg, press on the foot).
• It should first blanch white and then "pink
up" in about 2 seconds.
• Signs that circulation is inadequate include pale or blue skin, numbness
or tingling, and loss of pulse.
• If circulation is poor and trained personnel are NOT quickly available, try
to realign the limb into a normal resting position. This will reduce
swelling, pain, and damage to the tissues from lack of blood.
RESPONDING TO A CRUSH INCIDENT
7. TREATING THE VICTIM
FRACTURE/DISLOCATED JOINT
• DO NOT move the person unless the broken bone is stable.
• DO NOT move a person with an injured hip, pelvis, or upper leg unless
it is absolutely necessary. If you must move the person, pull the person
to safety by his clothes (such as by the shoulders of a shirt, a belt, or
pant legs).
• DO NOT move a person who has a possible spine injury.
• DO NOT attempt to straighten a bone or change its position unless
blood circulation appears hampered and no medically trained personnel
are nearby.
• DO NOT try to reposition a suspected spine injury.
• DO NOT test a bone's ability to move.
END OF PRESENTATION