Understanding Prehospital Haemorrhage Control: The Importance of Rapid Intervention in Emergency Situations

In emergency medical situations, every moment counts, especially when it comes to managing bleeding. Controlling bleeding before patients reach the hospital is a vital part of trauma care and can be the difference between life and death for those dealing with severe blood loss. This blog post dives into why quick bleeding control is so important in emergencies and how first responders play a crucial role in saving lives.  This is precisely why we're passionate about developing a new haemorrhage control device at ACT Medical.  

The Impact of Haemorrhage on Patient Outcomes

Haemorrhage, or excessive bleeding, is one of the leading causes of preventable death in trauma patients [1,2,3]. According to various studies, uncontrolled bleeding accounts for a significant percentage of deaths in the prehospital phase [4,5,6]. Rapid intervention is essential because the body's ability to compensate for blood loss diminishes quickly.

In severe cases, losing as little as 30% of effective blood volume can lead to hypovolemic shock [7], organ failure, and ultimately, death. Understanding the urgency of haemorrhage control allows emergency responders to prioritize effective interventions that stabilize the patient until they can receive definitive care.

The Importance of Rapid Haemorrhage Control 

1. Time Matters in Trauma: When it comes to trauma, every second is crucial. The quicker bleeding is controlled, the higher the chances of survival. Stopping the bleeding fast helps reduce blood loss and stabilize the patient. 

2. Avoiding Complications: If bleeding isn’t controlled, it can lead to serious issues like shock, organ damage, and a higher risk of death. Effective bleeding control helps lower these risks and leads to better outcomes. 

3. Boosting Survival Rates: Research has shown that quick action in bleeding emergencies can greatly improve survival rates. First responders who have the right knowledge and tools can make lifesaving decisions when it really matters. 

The Role of First Responders

First responders are usually the first ones on the scene when it comes to managing bleeding emergencies. Their training and know-how are crucial for using the right techniques and tools effectively. Ongoing education and hands-on practice can really boost their skills in controlling bleeding, helping them respond quickly and efficiently when it counts.

Additionally, training programs for the community that teach everyday people basic bleeding control techniques can empower bystanders to step in during emergencies, which can help save lives.

Conclusion

Controlling bleeding before patients reach the hospital is a key part of trauma care that can really affect their outcomes. It's crucial for first responders to understand how important quick action is and to use the right techniques and tools. By focusing on stopping the bleeding in emergencies, we can save lives and lessen the impact of uncontrolled bleeding. As technology and training improve, our ability to manage bleeding will continue to get better, making sure more patients get the help they need when it matters most.

In trauma situations, every second counts—let’s make sure we’re ready to act quickly and effectively.

• ACT Medical’s award-winning medical device aims to save the lives of stabbing and gunshot victims by stemming bleeding from penetrative trauma. Follow ACT Medical on LinkedIn for the latest updates or email hello@actmedical.co.uk to speak to us directly.

References: 

1. Baker, S.P., et al. (2022) 'Preventable trauma deaths: A modern perspective', Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 92(2), pp. 251-256. 

2. Shackford, S.R., et al. (2005) 'The role of haemorrhage in trauma mortality: a review', Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 58(1), pp. 10-17.  

3. Nielsen, K.A., et al. (2021) 'Trends in trauma mortality: A review of the literature', Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine, 29(1), pp. 1-12. 

4. Miller, A.C., et al. (2020) 'The impact of prehospital hemorrhage control on trauma outcomes: A systematic review', Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 89(5), pp. 1058-1067. 

5. Higgins, T.L., et al. (2022) 'The role of early hemorrhage control in trauma care: A comprehensive review', Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine, 30(1), p. 15. 

6. Huang, J., et al. (2020) 'Trends in prehospital trauma care: The importance of early hemorrhage control', Journal of Trauma, 89(3), pp. 569-576. 

7. Taghavi, S., Nassar, A.K. and Askari, R. (2023) 'Hypovolemic Shock', StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513297/ (Accessed: 23 October 2024).