Chapter 2: Cardiovascular System

Section 2 Diagrams

A subject will have to lose approximately 1 litre or so of their blood volume (70 Kilo male) before they will show early signs of shock. Once the external bleeding has been controlled by local pressure of the wounds reinforced by a compression bandage and elevation of the limb (diagram 2a), attention can be returned to resuscitative measures, which will include the setting up of an i.v. line (these two procedures can be run concurrently if there are 2 operators available). The most reliable place to find a good vein is in front of the elbow. The largest cannula the operator can confidently manage should be inserted and it would be safe to give the subject 2 litres of saline under the above circumstances. The subject should be continually assessed for improvement in pulse (return to normal rate) and blood pressure (return to normal usually 120/80) and return of normal capillary return (2 seconds or less). Diagram 2b-2d