Abdominal Injuries

Overview

Abdominal injuries may be caused by blunt force, penetrating wounds, falls, blasts, or crush incidents. Internal bleeding and organ injury may not be obvious at first.

Signs And Symptoms

• Abdominal pain, tenderness, swelling, or bruising.
• Rigid or guarded abdomen.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Bleeding, open wound, or exposed organs.
• Signs of shock such as pale skin, sweating, thirst, weakness, confusion, or collapse.

First Aid

• Follow DRSABCD and call 000 for serious abdominal injury.
• Help the casualty lie still in the most comfortable position.
• Bending the knees may reduce abdominal strain.
• Control external bleeding with gentle pressure around the wound.
• Do not give food, drink, alcohol, or medication by mouth.
• Monitor breathing, circulation, and responsiveness until help arrives.

Evisceration

If organs are protruding:

• Do not push them back inside.
• Cover with a sterile dressing moistened with clean water or saline.
• Keep the dressing moist and secure it loosely.
• Treat for shock and wait for ambulance care.