a child has a cut head which is bleeding heavily, but is pale and feeling sick, should the feet be raised?

Question

i know the saying 'if face is pale, raise the tail' through first aid training but if the patient has a cut head which is bleeding heavily, should the feet still be raised? can anyone help please?

Answer 1

Well, the child needs to be taken to hospital, but while you're waiting for an ambulance (unless the hospital is close by and you can take them in a car) the child should be laid down with the head slightly raised - this puts the least pressure on the heart, so blood pressure is lower so the wound bleeds less. It also means they're not going to fall anywhere if they pass out and they can easily be rolled onto their side if they start to vomit. The head is raised to make it slightly above the level of the heart to further lessen bleeding. The would should also be covered with a clean dressing (if available) or some other clean, absorbant (but not fluffy like cotton wool) material and pressure should be applied to stem the bleeding.

The idea of the feet being raised is valid in most cases, as it returns the blood in the legs to the upper part of the body where the vital organs are. The reason you only lie them flat, and raise their head not raise their legs with a head injury is that gravity would cause more blood to enter the head which would increase bleeding and/or swelling.

Answer 2

I hope this is a hypothetical question and you do not have a real child in this situation!!

If the child is pale and feeling sick after head trauma of any kind there could be added complications like shock, concussion or fractured skull. Rather than messing around worrying whether feet need to be raised or not, you should call the emergency services for an ambulance STRAIGHT AWAY and get the child to A&E before any further damage is done.

Answer 3

The only time you should not put a patient in trendelenburg(shock position) is when your patient has a suspected intracranial injury. You assess for this by looking at their pupillary response: pupils should be equal and reactive to light. If one is big and the other is little and I mean real big and real little, especially with a recent history of head trauma, and/or battle's sign is present: a dark bruise on the mastoid process at the back of their head near where it meets the neck. Add in: they don't know where they are, who they are, or "when" they are. Your patient has a head injury and trendelenburg shouldn't be used. Cover them to prevent further heat loss due to hypoperfusion(shock) give them 15LPM O2 by non-rebreather mask if you have it, stick 'em on a backboard (secure the head too) and stick 'em in yer bambulance. Monitor vitals every five minutes while trying not to cry louder than the parents. In your particular case: direct pressure, dressing and bandage. This kid does need high-flowO2 and trendelenburg position and cover him. Getting him to the hospital is the most important thing right now. Don't worry about increasing the flow of the wound, the scalp is very vascular and it's gonna bleed no matter what. Direct pressure to stop the bleed, cover, O2, trendelenburg, transport. Good luck.

Answer 4

CALL 9-1-1! Or are you doing First-aid training? If you are bleeding from the head apply cloths on the area of bleeding with pressure to the bleeding area, DO NOT REMOVE CLOTHS THAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN BLEED THROUGH (cause it will make the bleeding worse.) Also DO NOT LET HIM FALL ASLEEP! He sounds like he might be going or is in shock. CALL 9-1-1!!!!

Answer 5

Pressure on the wound with a thick dressing or towel. Head above the chest level and keep child wrapped warm. See Dr as soon as possible as head wounds do bleed heavily.

Answer 6

Yes, raise his feet and apply direct pressure on the wound with a clean clothe or paper towel. Do not remove the towel or clothe if it becomes soaked, just keep adding more. Head wounds tend to bleed a lot. I'm a little concerned about the method of injury. If he is pale and clammy he could be going into shock. If the bleeding doesn't stop with direct pressure after 15 to 20 minutes, he may need stitches.

Answer 7

The feet should not be raised on a victim with a head injury. If you are concerned about shock, cover the victim with a blanket. Also, do not move the victim as the head trauma could also be linked to neck/spinal trauma. Furthermore do NOT let the victim fall asleep. Get professional medical attention immediately.

Answer 8

As long as the injury is above the heart, the legs do not get raised. Get the child to A&E or ER right away.
Call your emergency services NOW for an ambulance (whether this be 999 or 911 ect.)

Answer 9

I do hope this is a hypothetical question.

The child needs to go to the emergency room NOW. You call 911. No, you do NOT raise the feet. Stay on the line with the emergency dispatcher until the paramedics arrive.

Answer 10

Apply direct pressure to the wound and get child to hospital asap- feeling sick and looking pale may be a sign of more serious concerns