It is within normal expectations that you, or a member of your team, will get a small cut or graze sooner or later and you should be equipped to deal with this yourselves.

1. Ask the casualty to apply pressure (with some gauze or a dressing) and raise the wound until bleeding stops.

2. Once bleeding has stopped, clean the wound using a wipe from your first aid kit or clean drinking water.

3. Apply a dressing such as a plaster to keep the wound clean.

Whilst it is very unlikely that you will encounter serious bleeding during your DofE expedition, it's important to be aware of; serious bleeding can quickly become a life-threatening condition. It's important that a serious bleed is brought quickly under control.

What is "shock"?

In the context of bleeding, "Shock" is the condition caused when there is less blood than normal in the body meaning oxygen can't be effectively transported to the vital organs so they begin to shut down.

The proper name for this kind of shock is "Hypovolemic Shock" Hypo = low, vol = volume, emic = blood; Low volume of blood.

Shock can be a very serious, life-threatening condition which can deteriorate very rapidly.

Signs and Symptoms

• Cold, pale and clammy skin

• Cyanosis (turning blue)

• Rapid, shallow breathing

• Weak rapid pulse

• Confusion

• Reducing response level

• Nausea

Treatment

• Treat obvious injury / illness first.

• Reassure casualty.

• Keep casualty warm.

• Lie the casualty down and elevate the legs (unless they have a head or chest injury)

• Call Emergency Services & your Supervisor