TRAINEE GUIDE - Recruit Training Command - The US Navy

TRAINEE GUIDE A-950-0001
OUTLINE SHEET 5-01-1 (continued)
(c) Pressure points (indirect pressure): Application of
pressure where a main artery lies near the skin
surface and over a bone or firm tissue.
1 Use the pressure point nearest the wound.
2 The compress is to compress the artery against
the underlying firm surface, thus slowing the
flow of the blood to the wound.
3 Used in conjunction with direct pressure and
elevation to control bleeding without having to
use a tourniquet.
4 Pressure points in the arms and the groin are
used most often.
(d) Tourniquet: Used ONLY as a last resort for severe,
life-threatening bleeding that cannot be controlled by
any OTHER method.
d. Prevent or reduce shock
1 A tourniquet is dangerous; its application may
cause tissue injury or loss of the injured limb.
2 Used only in cases of partial or complete
severing of arms, legs, or when bleeding
is uncontrollable.
(1) Shock is a condition in which blood circulation is
seriously disturbed; results in a lack of oxygen to the
body. All injuries are accompanied by some degree of
shock.
(2) Symptoms
(a) Eyes: Vacant, lackluster (dull), pupils dilated
(large).
(b) Breathing: Shallow, irregular, and rapid.
(c) Skin: Pale, cold, and moist.
(d) Pulse: Usually rapid but may be weak.
(e) May complain of nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness,
weakness, and anxiety.
(3) Treatment
(a) Monitor the airway, breathing, and circulation.
(b) Control bleeding as soon as possible.
91