First aid: What not to do, says St John

By FOLKEN WAKO
ST JOHN Ambulance (SJA) commissioner Matt Cannon has warned the public not to move a casualty or remove any sharp objects from people during accidents as it could cause blood loss and death.
“Do not move or pull out any objects from the victims’ body after an accident or violence as it might cause more damage, blood loss and even death,” Cannon said.
“Call for St John Ambulance by dialing 111. If you are in Port Moresby or Central province, we can send the ambulance with our professional team.”
He said the ambulance professionals would assess, stabilise and treat the injured casualty and would transport them to the hospital for definitive treatment by doctors.
Cannon said people could lose their lives because of improper care by people at the scene of the incident who were more likely to cause more harm despite intending to help the victim.
“If objects like knives, bullets, spears or iron rods penetrate into the casualty, the object may actually be putting pressure on an artery and clots form around the object.
“The clots and pressure of the object had the effect of stopping the victim from bleeding out straight away.”