PAWS – analysis of the tactical medicine protocol
Application of a cohesive bandage. Photo: Youtube.com
PAWS - is tactical medicine protocol, which is a comprehensive approach to providing medical care in the field. It is based on the principles of military surgery and tactical medicine and includes the following main elements:
Otsenka sostoyaniya postradavshego: Before starting treatment, it is necessary to conduct a quick and accurate assessment of the wounded person's condition, including an assessment of vital functions, the nature and severity of injuries. This allows you to prioritize care and select the most effective treatment methods.
Pain Control: To reduce pain in the victim, various methods of pain relief are used, such as the administration of analgesics and sedatives. The choice of pain relief method depends on the nature of the injury, the condition of the victim and the availability of necessary medications.
Antibiotics: If there are signs of infection or the risk of its development, broad-spectrum antibiotics should be prescribed. The choice of antibiotic depends on the suspected causative agent of the infection and its sensitivity to the drugs.
Wounds: wound treatment includes stopping bleeding, cleaning the wound from contamination, treating with antiseptics and applying a bandage. If necessary, surgical treatment of the wound is performed to remove non-viable tissue and restore the integrity of the skin.
Tires (Splinting): immobilization of fractures and dislocations using special splints or other means helps prevent additional damage and facilitate transportation of the victim. Splints are applied to the damaged limb in such a way as to ensure its immobility in the area of the fracture or dislocation.
Protocol PAWS has a number of advantages over other tactical medicine protocols:
- simplicity: protocol PAWS easy to remember and perform even under stress and fatigue;
- efficiency: the protocol allows you to quickly and effectively provide assistance to victims in the field, which can save their lives;
- versatility: The protocol can be used to help victims with various types of injuries and illnesses.
However, the PAWS protocol is not without the following disadvantages:
- need for training: for efficient use of the protocol PAWS you need to undergo special training;
- limited resources: in some cases it may not be possible to use all protocol elements PAWS, for example, in the absence of necessary medications or equipment.
Overall protocol PAWS is an effective tool for providing first aid to the wounded in combat conditions. However, its application requires careful planning and preparation, as well as the availability of the necessary resources.
Thigh injury. Photo: Youtube.com
P – Pain Control
In the tactical medicine protocol PAWS pain control is a system of measures aimed at reducing pain in victims. It involves the use of various methods and drugs for pain relief.
Basic principles:
- quick onset of action. Pain relief should begin as early as possible to prevent the development of pain shock and other complications;
- individual approach. The choice of method and drug for pain relief depends on the nature of the injury, the condition of the victim and the presence of contraindications;
- gradual increase in dose. To achieve optimal effect, pain relief should be carried out gradually, with increasing doses of the drug until the pain is completely eliminated.
In the protocol PAWS The following drugs are used for pain relief:
- opioid analgesics. These are the most effective drugs for eliminating severe pain. They act on opioid receptors in the brain, blocking the transmission of pain impulses. In the protocol PAWS opioids such as morphine, fentanyl, tramadol and others are used;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects. In the protocol PAWS NSAIDs such as ketorolac, diclofenac, ibuprofen and others are used;
- local anesthetics. These drugs are used for local anesthesia during surgery. The PAWS protocol may use local anesthetics such as lidocaine, novocaine and others;
- ketamine. This drug has an analgesic and sedative effect. It can be used for short-term pain relief and stabilization in victims with severe injuries;
- promedol. The drug belongs to the group of opioid analgesics. Has a pronounced analgesic effect. Used for injuries, burns, cancer, etc.;
- fentanyl. The drug also belongs to the group of opioid analgesics, but is characterized by a faster onset of action and greater effectiveness. Used for severe pain of various origins;
- tramadol. Another representative of the group of opioid analgesics. It is moderately effective and has fewer side effects compared to other drugs in this group;
- ketorolac. A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with a pronounced analgesic effect. Can be used for pain of varying severity.
Pain relief for the wounded. Photo: Youtube.com
A – Antibiotics
In the tactical medicine protocol PAWS Antibiotics are a system of measures aimed at preventing or treating infectious complications in victims. It involves the use of various antibiotics to fight bacterial infections.
In the protocol PAWS The following antibiotics are used to treat infections:
- cephalosporins. This is a group of broad-spectrum antibiotics that are effective against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. In the protocol PAWS cephalosporins such as ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, ceftazidime and others are used;
- fluoroquinolones. This is another group of broad-spectrum antibiotics that is effective against many bacteria, including some strains that are resistant to other antibiotics. In the protocol PAWS fluoroquinolones such as levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and others can be used;
- aminoglycosides. This group of antibiotics is effective against gram-negative bacteria but can cause side effects such as nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. In the protocol PAWS aminoglycosides are rarely used, only for severe infections when other antibiotics are ineffective;
- macrolides. These antibiotics are effective against some gram-positive bacteria and atypical microorganisms such as mycoplasma and chlamydia. In the protocol PAWS macrolides can be used for infections of the respiratory tract, skin and soft tissues;
- carbapenems. These are powerful antibiotics that are effective against most bacteria, including resistant strains. In the protocol PAWS carbapenems are used for severe and life-threatening infections;
- tetracyclines. This group of antibiotics is rarely used due to their side effects and limited effectiveness. However, they may be useful for some infections, such as anthrax and plague.
W – Wounds
In the tactical medicine protocol PAWS wounds is a system of measures aimed at treating wounds and preventing their infection. It involves the use of various medications to treat wounds, stop bleeding, and prevent infection.
Basic principles:
- quick assessment of the wound condition. It is necessary to assess the nature of the wound, the degree of tissue damage, the presence of bleeding and other complications;
- stop bleeding. If bleeding occurs, measures must be taken to stop it. This can be done using a pressure bandage, tourniquet, or other methods;
- wound treatment. The wound must be cleaned of dirt, foreign bodies and necrotic tissue. For this, various antiseptic solutions and preparations are used;
- applying a bandage. A sterile dressing is applied to the wound, which protects it from further contamination and promotes healing;
- prevention of infection. To prevent the development of infection, antibiotics are used, as well as other drugs that promote wound healing.
In the protocol PAWS The following drugs are used to treat wounds:
Antiseptic solutions. These solutions are used to cleanse the wound of dirt and microorganisms. In the protocol PAWS Antiseptics such as hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, iodine and others are used.
Painkillers. They are used to relieve pain when treating a wound. In the protocol PAWS Painkillers such as lidocaine, novocaine and other local anesthetics can be used.
Hemostatic agents. They are used for bleeding from a wound. In the protocol PAWS hemostatic agents such as hemostatic sponge, thrombin and others can be used.
Anti-inflammatory drugs. They help reduce inflammation and swelling around the wound. In the protocol PAWS Anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac, ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can be used.
Medicines to stimulate healing. They promote the formation of new tissue and restoration of damaged skin areas. The PAWS protocol can use drugs such as methyluracil, solcoseryl and others.
Antibiotics. They are prescribed if an infection is suspected or if there are signs of inflammation. In the protocol PAWS Broad-spectrum antibiotics are used, such as cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and others.
Secondary examination of the wounded. Photo: Youtube.com
S – Splinting
In the tactical medicine protocol PAWS splints are a system of measures aimed at immobilizing (immobilizing) injured limbs in order to prevent additional injuries and facilitate transportation of the victim.
The following types of splints are used to immobilize limbs:
Soft tires. These are elastic bandages or tapes that are placed over the damaged limb and provide its fixation. Soft splints can be used for fractures, dislocations and other injuries that do not require rigid fixation.
Hard tires. These are solid structures, such as wooden or plastic splints, that provide more reliable immobilization of the injured limb. Hard splints are used for bone fractures, joint damage and other severe injuries.
Vacuum tires. These are modern devices that create a vacuum environment around the damaged limb, ensuring its fixation and reducing swelling. Vacuum tires are the most convenient and effective, but require special equipment for their use.
Splinting. Photo: Youtube.com
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