Circulation with haemorrhage control

The next priority is to assess the player’s circulatory status. This assessment includes:

• Pulse – presence of the radial pulse
• Pulse – rate and volume
• Colour of the player – noting pallor
• Mental status - conscious level and agitation
• Evidence of external bleeding
• Evidence of internal bleeding

The presence of a radial pulse indicates probable end organ perfusion. It is used as a guide to whether intravenous fluids should be administered to a player who has received blunt thoracic or abdominal trauma. More information about this can be found in the circulation chapter.

The presence of external haemorrhage should be managed by direct pressure to the wound and the application of dressings to stem the bleeding. If a player has clinical evidence of shock, it is important that all major areas of occult bleeding are assessed (the chest, abdomen, retroperitoneum, pelvis and long bones).