LESSON 9
PERFORM FIRST AID FOR AN OPEN ABDOMINAL WOUND
(TASK 081-831-1025)

TASK:

Identify the procedures for administering first aid to a casualty with an open abdominal wound.

CONDITIONS:

Given multiple-choice examination items pertaining to abdominal wounds.

STANDARD:

Score 70 or more points on a 100-point comprehensive examination.

REFERENCES:

STP 21-1-SMCT, Soldiers Manual of Common Tasks: Skill Level 1.
FM 21-11, First Aid for Soldiers.

NOTE:Some of the task titles and information have changed and are not reflected in FM 21-11 and STP 21-1-SMCT. Refer to the Army Training Support Center, Common Core Task internet site at: http://www.atsc.army.mil/dld/comcor/comcore.htm for up-to-date task information.

9-1. INTRODUCTION

The body's abdominal cavity contains organs such as the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, kidneys, and spleen. Several large arteries and veins are also located in the abdominal cavity. An object that punctures the muscular abdominal wall can injure one or more organs, cause severe bleeding, and cause infection which could spread to the organs within the cavity.

An open abdominal wound can be caused by the muscular abdominal wall being penetrated by a bullet, by a stab from a knife, by an object blown from an explosion, or by falling on a sharp object.

9-2. POSITION A CASUALTY WITH AN OPEN ABDOMINAL WOUND

Position the casualty on his back with his knees up (flexed). This position helps to prevent further exposure of the abdominal organs, lessen pain, and control shock.

FIGURE 9-1. CASUALTY IN KNEES-UP POSITION

9-3. DRESS AN OPEN ABDOMINAL WOUND

Locate Abdominal Wound(s)

Check the casualty's abdominal region for wounds. If more than one open abdominal wound is found, treat the more serious wound (largest, most blood loss, etc.) first.

Expose the Wound

Expose the area around the open abdominal wound by removing, cutting, or tearing the clothing covering the wound. If clothing is stuck to the wound, do not try to remove the stuck clothing as this may cause additional pain and injury. Cut or tear around the stuck clothing. Do not try to probe, clean, or remove foreign objects from the wound.

Position Dislodged Organs, If Applicable

Sometimes, part of an intestine or other organ is forced out through the wound. If an organ is outside the body, do not try to push the organ back into the body. Do not touch the exposed organ with your hands. If the organ is lying on the ground, use a field dressing or other clean, dry material to gently pick up the organ and place the organ on top of the casualty's abdomen.

Place Dressing Over Wound

Open the casualty's field dressing and place the white side of the dressing over the wound and any protruding organs. If the field dressing is too small to cover the wound and any protruding organs or if the dressing is not available, use the cleanest materials available as a dressing. Clothing, part of a blanket, or similar materials may be used.

Secure the Dressing

Hold the dressing with one hand to keep it from slipping.

Grasp one tail and slide it under the casualty.

Reach down on the other side of the casualty, grasp the tail under the casualty, and pull.

Bring the tail up the casualty's side, over the dressing, and to the other side.

Wrap the other tail in the opposite direction (down the side, under the back, and up the side).

Tie the tails in a nonslip knot on the casualty's side away from the wound. Do not tie the knots over the wound site.

FIGURE 9-2. DRESSING AN OPEN ABDOMINAL WOUND

Dress Other Abdominal Wound(s)

If other abdominal wounds are present (both entry and exit wounds are present, for example), dress and bandage the wounds.

Reinforce Dressings

If the situation allows and materials are available, reinforce the dressings by covering them with cravats, strips torn from a T-shirt, or other strips of cloth. The improvised bandages will provide additional support and protection. Tie the tails of the reinforcement bandages on the opposite side of the field dressing knot. The reinforcing material should be tight enough to help keep the dressing from slipping, but loose enough to prevent additional pressure to the wound.

9-4. MONITOR A CASUALTY WITH AN OPEN ABDOMINAL WOUND

Keep the casualty in the knees-up position.

Get medical help for the casualty as soon as possible. Buddy-aid methods cannot control internal bleeding (blood flowing into the abdominal cavity instead of flowing out of the wound). The risks of serious infection and damage to internal organs are also present. If possible, send someone else to get medical help while you treat the wound.

Be ready to administer rescue breathing should it become necessary.

If you must leave the casualty, tell him to stay on his back and keep his knees up.