Knowing how to respond when the unthinkable happens can mean the difference between life and death.
Stopping the Bleed How to Handle Critical Injuries By Cindy L. O’Hara
Chainsaws, chippers, climbing systems, falling limbs, rigging, sharp tools, road- side traffic, and remote worksites can turn a normal day into a major bleeding emer- gency in seconds, leaving only minutes if left uncontrolled. Knowing how to respond when the unthinkable happens can mean the difference between life and death. While protocols can help prevent injuries from occurring in the first place, provid- ing workers with the training and knowl- edge, as well as having resources on site to respond when a major bleed occurs, is critical. Here are the key components of stopping a severe bleed when it happens in the field. WHEN ROUTINE WORK TURNS LIFE-THREATENING According to John James, public safety sales officer at North American Rescue, LLC , tree care workers face 11 times higher injury risk, with severe injuries needing fast trauma response; delayed emergency medical services (EMS) arriv- al can worsen the outcome.
The main types of accidents common within the tree care industry are: 1. Caught in/Under: This includes chainsaw kickbacks, and woodchip- per or stump grinder entrapments from catching victims’ limbs. In these situations, severe bleeding, traumatic amputations, and massive crush inju- ries can all occur. 2. Electrical contact: This can happen when working at heights near power lines or during storm damage cleanup around downed electrical lines. 3. Falls: When crews are working aloft — be it in a suburban neighborhood, a wooded park, or anywhere in be- tween, there is always the potential for a crew member to fall. 4. Struck by: This category includes accidents caused by falling wood and branches that have the potential to create both external and internal trauma with bleeding.
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