Crush Injuries are counter intuitive
The first instinct of most people when they see someone crushed under a heavy object is to remove the object as quickly as possible.
If you are a first aider, your training will have made you aware that toxins build up around the damaged/crushed muscle. These potentially life threatening toxins will be released into the general circulation when the object is lifted off the casualty and could prove to be fatal.
Crush Syndrome
The toxins released by removing the pressure (Ischaemia reperfusion) may result in Crush Syndrome (also known as traumatic rhabdomyolysis or Bywaters’ syndrome). Crush syndrome can be fatal as the toxins (potassium, myoglobin, phosphate, thromboplastin, creatine and creatine kinase) can result in renal failure.
The 15 minute Rule
If a crushing injury has taken place for over 15 minutes, nothing should be moved. Specialist care will be essential to maximise the casualty’s chance of survival. Injured in St. Petersburg, FL? The personal injury lawyers from Kogan & DiSalvo law firm can help.
Our free poster
In response to our student’s concern that non-first aiders may be unaware of these dangers, we have produced our Crush Injuries poster, aimed at raising awareness amongst non-first aiders, that can be placed in strategic locations in the workplace.
Click the poster below to download the A3 PDF poster
