Residents, schools and businesses in Knowsley are all being targeted as part of a new awareness campaign that aims to teach people simple steps that could save someone’s life.
More than 19,000 people die every year from an injury – that could be an accident at home, or work, a car crash, or a violent incident. The most common cause of preventable death in trauma is bleeding and yet there are simple steps that anyone could follow to help stop bleeding in the case of an emergency.
In Knowsley, the Council and its partners are working directly with Mr Nikhil Misra, a Consultant General and Trauma Surgeon at Aintree Hospital, to ensure as many people as possible know how they could help, if they found themselves in a situation where someone was bleeding and hurt.
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council said: “I knew of the fantastic work Nikhil was doing around knife crime so when we met, I was fascinated to hear more about his work. It was clear he was incredibly passionate and dedicated but what struck me almost immediately was that this was much bigger than knife crime – which we know is thankfully relatively rare. Serious bleeding can also occur after an accident – which could happen at home, at school, at work or on the road. Would you know the right way to help in that type of situation?
“I think most people have some awareness of basic first aid – how to put someone in the recovery position, help someone who is choking or even give the kiss of life or perform chest compressions. But many wouldn’t know where to start with an injured person that is bleeding.
“From speaking to Nikhil I came to realise it’s really not as difficult as you might think – and learning some simple techniques could help keep someone alive.
“Yes, it might be scary at first but the message is clear – if you find yourself in a situation where someone is bleeding heavily, quick action saves lives – and anyone can do it.”
Mr Misra has over 25 years of experience working as a surgeon. He added: “Working in the job I do I see patients every day with injuries and blood loss. On many occasions – thankfully – they get to me and my team in time and we are able to deal with their wounds, stop them bleeding and get them back on their feet.
“But it’s those crucial minutes after they are injured which are so important in ensuring the patient survives long enough to receive professional medical care – and often, it’s the people around the injured person who act quickly who make the difference.
“In most cases simply applying pressure to a wound can stop the bleeding. Where it is more serious, there are still things you can do. You can use bleeding control kits if there is one nearby but you can also use everyday objects like your own clothing or a tea towel for example.
“I think most people would feel hugely empowered to know this and know that they have the knowledge and skills that one day might help them, a loved one or community member survive a serious injury.”
In all serious situations, you should always ring 999 immediately and the operator will guide you through the actions to take whilst waiting for the medics.
To help educate the public, Knowsley Council has published a short film with practical tips and advice to follow. They are also sharing key advice to remember if someone is injured and bleeding.
- Ring 999
- Act quickly – a person with a serious injury can bleed out in 3- 5 minutes!
- If blood is ‘squirting’ from a wound this is a serious situation and is life threatening
- Do not remove any objects that may be in the wound – these could be helping to keep blood inside the body
- Applying pressure to the wound is key – with both hands holding firm pressure over the wound and with an item of clothing.
- If the bleeding doesn’t stop then something can be used to help pack the wound and stop the blood flowing (a towel, clothing etc)
- If a person has a wound in their arm or leg you may be able to create a tourniquet to help – this involves tying a piece of material above the wound to stop blood flow
- Be patient – it could take blood up to 10 minutes to clot properly
- Do NOT stop applying pressure or check the wound for at least 10 minutes or you might have to start again
- Your actions might be painful for the injured person but remember, you are helping them! You are not making the situation worse.
- Stay calm
- Reassure the patient
- Listen to the advice of the 999 operator
Mr Misra added: “I have been really encouraged to see the approach adopted by Knowsley. Since Cllr Morgan and I had that first conversation they have been absolutely determined to spread the word and do what they can. This is invaluable support for the work I do and my own personal crusade to ensure as many lives as possible are saved when they can be.”