b. Elevate the Limb. If the injured limb is not fractured (or if a splint has
already been applied) and the limb does not have an impaled (protruding) object, raise
the limb above the level of the casualty's heart. Elevating the limb will help to
decrease blood flow to the injured area and, thereby, reduce bleeding and swelling.
Make sure the limb is supported and the limb will not slip off the support. Elevating the
injured limb and applying manual pressure should be done at the same time when no
(1) If the wound is on a leg, place a pack, log, rock, or other object under
the foot and ankle of the injured leg (figure 2-9).
(2) If the wound is on an arm and the casualty is lying on his back, place
the casualty's forearm on his chest.
(3) If wound is on an arm and the casualty is sitting up, have the casualty
place his forearm on top of his head.
Figure 2-9. Elevating a wound on a leg.
2-12. RE-EVALUATE THE BLEEDING
After the field dressing, manual pressure, and elevation (if appropriate) have
been applied, check the dressing to see if the bleeding has been controlled.
a. If the dressing is saturated with blood and fresh (red) blood is seeping out of
the dressing, the bleeding has not been adequately controlled. If the bleeding is not
controlled by this point consideration of a tourniquet or hemostatic dressing is
necessary to prevent further bleeding.
MD0554
2-16