DEALING WITH A CASUALTY

 DEALING WITH A CASUALTY

Casualties are often frightened because of

what is happening to them, and what may

happen next. Your role is to stay calm and take

charge of the situation – be ready to stand back

if there is someone better qualified. If there is

more than one casualty, use the primary survey

(pp.44–45) to identify the most seriously injured

casualties and treat in the order of priority.

It is important to consider the age and

appearance of your casualty when you talk to

him, since different people need different

responses. Always respect people’s wishes;

accept that someone might want to be treated

in a particular way. Communication can be

difficult if a person speaks a different language

or cannot hear you. Use simple language or

signs or write questions down. Ask if anyone

nearby speaks the same language, knows the

person and/or saw the incident and can describe

what happened.

SPECIAL CASE TREATING CHILDREN

BUILDING TRUST

DIVERSITY AND COMMUNICATION

Establish trust with your casualty by

introducing yourself. Find out what the person

likes to be called, and use his name when you

talk to him. Crouch or kneel down so you are

at the same height as the casualty. Explain

what is happening and why. You will inspire

trust if you say what you are doing before you

do it. Treat the casualty with dignity and respect

at all times. If possible, give him choices, for

example, whether he would prefer to sit or lie

down and/or who he would like to have with

him. Also, if possible, gain his consent before

you treat him by asking if he agrees with

whatever you are going to do.

You will need to use simpler, shorter

words when talking to children. If

possible, make sure a child’s parents

or carers are with him, and keep

them involved at all times. It is

important to establish the carer’s

trust as well as the child’s. Talk first

to the parent/carer and get his or

her permission to continue. Once

the parent/carer trusts you, the child

will also feel more confident.

Reassure the casualty

When treating a casualty, remain calm and do not do

anything without explaining it first. Try to answer any

questions he may have honestly and clearly.