1. Obtain a History
To help determine what type of treatment is needed, it's important to find out how the trauma to the abdomen occurred. This will help determine if unseen injuries such as internal bleeding are a possibility. Ask the injured person and witnesses to the event what happened. Keep in mind different causes of trauma will likely cause different injuries. For example a blow to the stomach with a baseball bat may cause different injuries than a fall and therefore require different treatment.
2. Determine the Extent of Injuries
The treatment for abdominal injuries will vary according to their severity. In a non-hospital environment, you can may not be able to determine the exact extent of the injury. However, you can look for signs of injury such as bleeding, bruising and deformities. Assess pain by feeling the entire abdomen and checking for signs of tenderness.
3. Basic First Aid
Trauma to the abdomen can result in various degrees of injuries ranging from very mild to life threatening. While some injuries from trauma will require professional medical attention, others just need basic first aid. For injuries that are mild and do not require a hospital or doctor visit use ice to reduce inflammation. Instruct the injured person to rest. Over the counter pain medication can be given. Keep in mind some injuries may not be apparent at first. Contact a doctor if additional symptoms develop such as severe pain or vomiting blood.
4. Control Bleeding
To control excessive bleeding to the abdomen press down on the wound and apply pressure. Use a clean, dry cloth if possible. Continue to apply pressure until the bleeding has stopped or paramedics arrive. Bleeding can also occur internally. Watch for signs of internal bleeding such as pain and swelling in the abdomen. Be aware of signs of shock such a fast heart rate, dizziness and fast breathing. If shock is suspected, call 911 and keep the injured person still, calm and warm until help arrives.
5. Take a Systematic Approach
If trauma to the abdomen resulted in an injury requiring professional care, a systematic approach is usually taken. The doctor will evaluate all regions of the abdomen and check for injuries to the spleen, intestines and stomach. A nasogastric tube may be inserted through the nose to relieve pressure in the stomach. Exploratory laparoscopic surgery may be needed to further assess injuries.
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