Question: With the introduction of commercial tourniquets and hemostatic dressings for Soft Tissue Injuries/Uncontrolled bleeds in the BLSPCS 3.0, where does the OBHG and MOH stand on wound packing for hemorrhage control? It is generally accepted among TCCC guidelines as a part of basic hemorrhage control, and even taught as a part of First Aid with some organizations. Unfortunately the BLS 3.0 (or 2.xx as well) do not explicitly mention it as an option, as well it is technically prohibited under the Registered Health Professions Act which lists "Putting an instrument, hand or finger, into an artificial opening in the body" as a delegated act. Is this something that we will see added to our scope in the future? Why or why not?

Great question, SWORBHP supports tourniquets, hemostatic dressings, and wound packing when used appropriately by paramedics with well practiced technique. We do not see supplying well accepted hemorrhage control practices such as packing with gauze and applying a pressure wrap to an open bleeding wound as an infringement of the Registered Health Professions Act, but rather the practice of proper and often essential patient first aid.

Please see our recent LINKS Newsletter article outlining this issue: http://www.lhsc.on.ca/About_Us/Base_Hospital_Program/OpsLogistics/Newsletters.htm

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Basic Life Support (BLS), Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC MOH)

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