Abstract 192: Pressure Methods for Primary Hemorrhage Control

Abstract

Introduction: Hemorrhage is the primary cause of death in 35% of traumatic mortalities. However, guidelines give little guidance regarding the best method of applying direct pressure including the mechanics of applying the pressure. Hypothesis: The purpose of this study is to compare the force generated using different techniques of force application. Additionally, we aimed to measure the pressure generated by a pressure wrap using two commonly used types of bandages in comparison to manual pressure. Methods: In this IRB approved study, subjects were recruited as a convenience sample of medical providers during a weekly medical conference. A standardized bleeding simulator (Z-Medica) with a flat force sensitive resistor was used in this study to measure force. Subjects were randomized to application order of each of the following techniques: the finger pads of 3 digits of the right hand, 3 fingers of the right hand with the opposing hand applying counter pressure, or 3 digits of each of two hands on top of the other. The subjects were asked to hold pressure at each application for 10 seconds and all completed each method sequentially. Subjects then applied a compression wrap using either an elastic wrap or self-adhesive wrap. Researchers were not blinded during data collection, but data analysts were blinded to the groups. Results: Thirty-three subjects were enrolled and all had data available for analysis. Twenty-two were residents, 11 attending physicians, 22 were male, and the average age was 34.2 years (range 26-63). Two hand pressure application generated the most amount of force averaging a constant of 3.75 (SD 1.54) lbs. This was statistically different from one hand application which generated an average of 3.00 (SD 1.29) lbs of force (p <0.001). Comparison of opposing hands to single hand and two hands to opposing hands did not reach statistical significance. Neither pressure wrap technique generated a comparable amount of force to that of manual pressure [0.70 (SD 0.49) lbs vs 1 hand with 10 4x4” gauze pads (p <0.001)]. Conclusions: In this model of bleeding, medical personnel generated the most force when two hands were used to apply pressure over the wound. This study also demonstrated direct manual pressure generated much higher pressures than a pressure dressing.