Abdominal Injuries

Internal Injury

Unrecognised abdominal injuries are one of the major causes of preventable death in the trauma victim.
First aiders should get a history while they can. People can appear okay and then develop shock later as bleeds into the abdomen may be ‘slow drip’ bleeds. A number of important organs in the abdomen – all have a high volume blood supply.

Open wounds

• Monitor vital signs.
• Impaled object. Leave it in. The body will adapt, swelling, clotting. Minimum movement to be encouraged and avoid coughing.
• Protruding intestines should be covered with suitable, non-stick, moistened, sterile dressing to prevent evaporation. Cling film or similar is ideal, firmly secured.
• Do not attempt to replace any protruding organs into abdominal cavity.