Updates Tourniquets, First Aid KIT, INCIDENT Report

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3/21/2024 Tourniquets

FDA Guidelines for Tourniquets 

3/21/2024 conference on tourniquets concluded: 

Current tourniquet features will require device development. 

This follows a major 2023 tourniquet recall.

Is tactical combat casualty care suitable for civilian first responders?  Yes, if applied when appropriate to control major arterial bleeding. 3/2024 update approves inflatable tourniquets.

It’s estimated that 60,000 people die each year from bleeding injuries.

Over 30,000 deaths are related to internal bleeding. 

The remainder, is usually the result of a motor vehicle accident or residential injuries involving plate glass windows.  In most cases, victims received little to no pre-hospital emergency first aid care.

May 1, 2024 The Mayo Clinic Updated Bleeding Guidelines  

A person with uncontrolled bleeding can die within five minutes, so it's important to quickly stop blood loss.

Call 911 

For severe bleeding, take these first-aid steps.

• Before checking for the source of the wound, put on disposable gloves and other personal protective equipment if you have them.
• Do not remove any large or impaled objects do remove any loose clothing or debris from the wound. Look for the source of the bleeding.
• Stop the bleeding. 
• Apply pressure to the wound with supplies available: hand, clothing, first aid supplies such as sterile gauze or a clean cloth. Press on it firmly until the bleeding stops. The visible signs of bleeding has stopped or dramatically slowing stopped within 3 – 5 minutes. 
• Wrap the wound with a thick bandage or clean cloth and tape. Lift the wound above heart level if possible.
• Application of a Tourniquet: A tourniquet is effective in controlling life-threatening bleeding from a limb. If needed, apply a commercially made tourniquet if it's available. 
• If you're unsure ask your 911 operator for guidance.  Mark the time of application and seek advanced medical care within 2 hours. 

What to avoid

Don't remove large or deeply embedded objects.

Don't probe the wound.

Don't press on an eye injury or embedded object.

Don't press on a head wound if you suspect a skull fracture.

Don't use an improvised tourniquet, such as a scarf or a belt.

For more information on the use of tourniquets or local tourniquet recalls

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/letters-health-care-providers/non-sterile-single-use-pneumatic-tourniquet-cuffs-conservation-strategies-letter-health-care

SAM Splint (Lg)

Triangle bandages

Kerlix Gauze Bandage Rolls 

4 x 4 Gauze Pads 

Self Adhesive Bandage Wrap

Quik Clot

Trauma Shears 

Emergency Blanket Foil  

Bandages 

Hand wipes 

Gloves (M, L, XL, XXL)

Quality Multitool 

Tweezers 

Chewable Aspirin 

Tourniquet

Honey