a. Impaled Object. If an object is embedded in the eye, place dressings
around the object to keep it stable. Cover both eyes with bandages. Covering the
uninjured eye helps to keep the uninjured eyeball still. If the uninjured eyeball moves,
the injured eyeball will also move. If the injured eyeball moves, additional injury may
occur.
b. Lacerations. If an eye has lacerations, place a light, sterile dressing over
the eye. Then place a shield or cup over the injured eye and cover both eyes with
bandages. Avoid putting pressure on the eye.
c. Extruded Eyeball. If an eyeball is extruded (popped out of its socket), do
not attempt to replace the extruded eyeball. Place bulky dressings around the eye,
cover the extruded eyeball with a moist dressing, and place a paper cup or cone over
the eye to protect the eyeball. Bandage both eyes.
5-14. TREAT AN UNCONSCIOUS CASUALTY
a. Monitor the casualty's breathing. Keep the airway open and perform rescue
breathing or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if needed. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
is not indicated in the tactical situation when other casualties would benefit from
treatment efforts. Insert a Combi-tube airway to protect the casualty's airway.
b. Initiate an intravenous infusion, if needed.
c. Continue to check the casualty's level of consciousness (AVPU or Glascow
Coma Scale [GCS] method) and vital signs every 15 minutes. Observe for signs and
symptoms of increased intracranial pressure.
d. Evacuate the casualty.
e. If you must leave the casualty, position him so he will not aspirate vomitus
should vomiting occur. If the casualty is lying in a prone position, make sure his head
is turned to one side. Otherwise, position the casualty on his side as shown in
figure 5-1. Keep the casualty's head, neck, and back in alignment when repositioning the
casualty. Place padding such as a rolled poncho or a folded field jacket around the
casualty to support the casualty and maintain spinal alignment.
5-15. TREAT A CASUALTY WITH A NOSEBLEED
A nosebleed (epistaxis) may cause a loss of blood sufficient to result in shock.
The blood seen flowing from the nose may not be a true indication of the amount of
bleeding that is occurring since most of the blood may flow into the throat and be
swallowed. Sometimes the blood can block the casualty's airway or be aspirated.
MD0554
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