How To Deal With A Crush Injury
Crush injuries most commonly occur because of building site or traffic accidents. If the blood flow to a limb (e.g. an arm or a leg) is impaired by the weight of a crushing object, there is a danger of toxins building up in the muscle tissues below the site of the crushing.
If the blood flow to the limb is impaired for 15 minutes or more, the toxins will build up so much that if they are released into the rest of the body (which will happen when the crushing object is removed) they may cause kidney failure. This is called ‘crush syndrome’ and may result in death.
Expert medical care is needed when releasing the patient if the blood flow has been impaired for 15 minutes or more.
Treatment for crushing less than 15 minutes
- Release the casualty as quickly as possible if you can.
- Dial 999 for an ambulance.
- Control any bleeding and cover open wounds.
- Treat for shock, if necessary, taking care not to move injuries.
- Monitor Airway and Breathing until help arrives.
Treatment for crushing more than 15 minutes
- DO NOT release the casualty.
- Dial 999 for an ambulance. Give clear information about the incident.
- Monitor Airway and Breathing until help arrives.
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