b. If the bleeding has been controlled, continue your evaluation.
(1) If the dressing is saturated with blood, additional dressing material may
be applied on top of the field dressing and secured with bandages (muslin bandage,
roller bandage, or torn strips of material). Do not remove the field dressing or disturb
any clots that have formed.
(2) Monitor the casualty. If bleeding begins again, evaluate the bleeding
and apply a pressure dressing if needed.
2-13. APPLY DIGITAL PRESSURE, IF NEEDED
If an artery is damaged, you can use your finger, thumb, hand, or knee to apply
pressure to the artery at a pressure point above the wound. The pressure compresses
the artery against the bone, thus reducing blood flow or stopping the blood flow
entirely. Since it is difficult to maintain sufficient pressure on the artery and more than
one blood vessel is usually involved in the injury, the pressure point method is used
only until a pressure dressing can be applied. Figure 2-10 shows the location of
common pressure points. A pulse can always be felt at a pressure point.
a. To control arterial bleeding of the upper part of the upper arm, apply
pressure to the subclavian artery (figure 2-10 D).
b. To control arterial bleeding of the lower part of the upper arm or at the
elbow, apply pressure to the brachial artery (figure 2-10 E).
c. To control arterial bleeding of the forearm, apply pressure to the lower part
of the brachial artery (figure 2-10 F) or to the ulnar or radial artery.
d. To control arterial bleeding of the wrist or hand, apply pressure to the ulnar
or radial artery (figure 2-10 G).
e. To control arterial bleeding of the thigh, apply pressure to the femoral artery
(figures 2-10 H and I).
f. To control arterial bleeding of the lower leg, apply pressure to the popliteal
artery (figure 2-10 J).
g. To control arterial bleeding of the foot, apply pressure to the anterior or
posterior tibial artery (figure 2-10 K).
MD0554
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