Emergency Medicine

Emergency medicine is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating patients with sudden, severe, and potentially life-threatening injuries or illnesses. It involves rapid assessment, evaluation, and intervention, with the goal of preventing further disability or death. Emergency medicine encompasses a wide range of settings, from hospital emergency departments to pre-hospital care and major events.

Bleding control

Severe bleeding, also known as hemorrhage, is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate action. In emergency situations, controlling the bleeding quickly can be the difference between life and death. Three essential techniques for managing severe bleeding are wound packing, pressure dressings, and the use of a tourniquet.

Wound Packing

Wound packing is used when bleeding occurs in areas where a tourniquet cannot be applied, such as the groin, armpit, or neck. To perform wound packing, a sterile gauze or hemostatic dressing is firmly inserted deep into the wound to apply direct pressure on the bleeding vessel. This helps to promote clotting and stop the bleeding. After the wound is fully packed, continuous pressure should be applied until medical help arrives.

Pressure Dressing

A pressure dressing is used to maintain constant pressure over a wound to help control bleeding. After packing a wound or if the bleeding is less severe, a sterile dressing is placed on the wound and then tightly wrapped with an elastic bandage or similar material to hold the pressure. This method helps to stabilize the patient while waiting for professional medical treatment.

Tourniquet Use

A tourniquet is used for life-threatening bleeding on limbs when direct pressure and wound packing are not sufficient. The tourniquet is placed 5–7 cm (2–3 inches) above the bleeding site—never on a joint—and tightened until the bleeding stops. It must be clearly marked with the time of application, as prolonged use can cause tissue damage. Tourniquets are highly effective in preventing death from uncontrolled extremity bleeding when used correctly

It is important to keep the patient warm to prevent hypothermia.

Heimlich maneuver

Important Note:

The Heimlich maneuver is only suitable for conscious or unconscious individuals over 1 year old who cannot speak, cough, or breathe.

For infants under 1 year, pregnant women, or severely overweight individuals, modified techniques are required.

Heimlich Maneuver Step by Step (for Adults & Children approx. 1 Year and Older

1. Assess the Situation

Determine whether the person is choking and unable to speak, cough, or breathe.

Ask: “Are you choking?”

No response and no air = Emergency.

2. Give 5 Firm Back Blows

Stand slightly to the side and behind the person.

Support their upper body as they lean forward.

Deliver 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.

3. Apply the Heimlich Maneuver (if needed)

If the back blows don’t work:

How to perform it:

• Stand behind the person.
• Wrap your arms around their upper abdomen.
• Make a fist with one hand.
• Place the fist between the navel and the breastbone.
• Grasp the fist with your other hand.
• Perform quick, upward abdominal thrusts (“J-thrust” motion).
• Repeat up to 5 times.

4. Alternate Between Back Blows and Heimlich Maneuver

Repeat alternating 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the object is expelled or the person becomes unconscious.

5. If the Person Becomes Unconscious

Gently lay them on the ground.

Begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) immediately:

• 30 chest compressions → 2 rescue breaths.
• If you cannot or do not want to give breaths: hands-only CPR (100–120 compressions per minute).

Ensure emergency help is on the way!

Important Notes:

• Do not use the Heimlich maneuver on infants under 1 year old!
• Do not practice it casually – it can cause injury.
• After a successful maneuver, medical examination is essential, as internal injuries may occur.