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If vascular injury occurs after bone plate fixation, the first aid measures need to be prompt and precise, as follows:
Hemostasis: After vascular injury, the primary task is to stop the bleeding. If there is active bleeding at the wound site, immediately apply clean gauze or fabric directly to the bleeding area to control the bleeding. For bleeding in the limbs, if the amount of bleeding is large, a tourniquet can be considered. However, it should be noted that the tourniquet should not be used for too long. It should be loosened at regular intervals to avoid causing ischemic necrosis of the limbs. Meanwhile, the emergency number should be called as soon as possible to send the patient to the hospital for further treatment.
Observation and evaluation: While stopping the bleeding, it is necessary to closely monitor the patient’s vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate, to assess the degree of blood loss. At the same time, check the color, temperature and sensation of the skin around the wound to determine if there is any circulatory disorder. If paleness, absence of pulse, abnormal sensations or movement disorders are found in the distal limbs, it may indicate severe vascular damage and immediate treatment is required.
Maintain limb stability: During first aid, one should try to keep the injured limb stable and avoid unnecessary movement to reduce further damage to blood vessels. Splints or bandages can be used to temporarily fix the limbs, but it should be noted that the fixation should not be too tight to avoid affecting blood circulation.
Anti-shock treatment: If a patient experiences shock symptoms due to excessive blood loss, such as pale complexion, cold sweats, and low blood pressure, anti-shock treatment should be initiated immediately. The patient can be laid flat, with the lower limbs elevated to increase the return of blood to the heart. At the same time, measures such as oxygen inhalation and warmth preservation can be provided. While waiting for the arrival of emergency personnel, attempts can be made to establish intravenous access to prepare for subsequent blood transfusion and fluid replacement.
Avoid handling complex situations on your own: For complex vascular injuries, such as vascular rupture or massive hemorrhage, non-professionals should avoid handling them on their own to prevent aggravating the injury or causing serious complications. Patients should be sent to hospitals with vascular surgery or trauma surgery facilities as soon as possible for professional treatment.