KNOWLEDGE OF LIMB BANDAGING FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF MAJOR HAEMORRHAGE IN FIRST AID
Abstract
Severe bleeding is life-threatening and should be stopped immediately as part of first aid. One of the existing methods of stopping severe bleeding in the extremities is a limb bandage, also known as an Esmarch‘s tourniquet. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge of the general public on the use of the limb bandage in first aid. An online questionnaire was completed by 190 people. About two thirds (67%) of the respondents would use an Esmarch‘s tourniquet if a pressure bandage failed to stop severe bleeding in an arm or leg, and the vast majority (92%) knew that a tourniquet should not be placed on the neck. More than half (56%) would apply a tourniquet in a case of a venomous snake bite, and 41% in a case of amputation of the fingers; both of these are not appropriate. Most respondents (84%) would use a triangular bandage to improvise a dressing. The knowledge of respondents on first aid for haemorrhage and the use of the Esmarch tourniquet was deficient and not up-to-date. This is about knowledge that can save lives. As recommendations on the use of a tourniquet to stop bleeding in first aid have changed in recent years, the general public should be informed about the current guidelines.
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