Pressure Points Technique for Traumatic Proximal Axillary Artery Hemorrhage: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION

While the pressure points technique for proximal hemorrhage control is long known, it is not recommended in standard prehospital guidelines based on a study showing the inability to maintain occlusion for over two minutes.

MAIN SYMPTOM: This report details a gunshot wound to the left axillary area with complete transection of the axillary artery, leading to profuse junctional hemorrhage and profound hemorrhagic shock.

THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION: Proximal pressure of the subclavian artery was applied against the first rib (the pressure points technique) and maintained for 28 minutes.

OUTCOMES: Cessation of apparent bleeding and excellent, enduring physiologic response to blood transfusion were observed.

CONCLUSION

The pressure points technique can be life-saving in junctional arterial hemorrhage and should be reconsidered in prehospital guidelines.