Take a Class Resources Learn First Aid Abdominal Injury
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  • Abdominal Injury

    As with chest injuries, abdominal injuries can result from blunt or penetrating trauma and may be accompanied by internal bleeding. It is especially difficult to determine if a person has an abdominal injury if he or she is unresponsive and has no visible signs and symptoms of injury. Always suspect an abdominal injury in a person who has multiple injuries. Conversely, if a person has an abdominal injury, be sure to check the person for other injuries because abdominal injuries are often accompanied by injuries to the chest, pelvis or head.

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    Emergency Steps

    1

    Check the scene safety, form an initial impression, obtain consent and put on PPE, as appropriate.

    2

    Check for signs and symptoms.

    • Severe pain*
    • Open wound*
    • Protruding abdominal organs*
    • Impaled object*
    • Severe bleeding*
    • Tender, swollen, rigid abdomen*
    • Abdominal bruising*
    • Nausea or vomiting (sometimes bloody)*
    • Signs & symptoms of shock*

    *Note: Signs and symptoms with a * require immediate emergency medical treatment.

    3

    Call 9-1-1 and get equipment if the person requires immediate emergency medical treatment.

    4

    Give Care.

    General Care: Abdominal Injury

    1. Give care consistent with condition found and your level of training.
      1. If wound is open, give additional care for open abdominal injuries.
    2. Position person on their back with knees bent unless that position causes pain.
      1. If a head, neck or back injury suspected, leave in position found unless you must move for safety, to perform CPR or to control bleeding.
      2. Stay with them until EMS arrives.
    3. Continue checking them as appropriate to determine if additional care is needed.
    4. Keep them from getting cold or overheated.
    5. Give care for shock, if necessary.
    6. Reassure them you will help and EMS has been called (if appropriate).
    7. Watch for changes in condition, including breathing and responsiveness, and give care as appropriate and trained.

    General Care: Open Abdominal Injury

    1. Remove clothing from around the wound.
    2. DO NOT push protruding organs back in and do not apply direct pressure.
    3. Moisten dressings with clean, warm tap water or saline.
    4. Loosely apply moistened dressings over the wound.
    5. Loosely cover dressings with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, if available.
    6. Monitor their condition and give care for shock, if present.

    Abdominal Injury FAQs

    What is shock?

    Shock is a progressive, life-threatening condition in which the body does not get enough oxygen-rich blood often due to disturbed blood flow. As a result, organs and body systems begin to fail.

    Signs and symptoms include:

    • Rapid, weak heartbeat
    • Rapid breathing
    • Pale, gray or cool moist skin
    • Altered level of responsiveness
    • Excessive thirst

    Why are abdominal injuries a problem?

    Abdominal injuries can result from blunt or penetrating trauma and may lead to internal bleeding. Always suspect an abdominal injury with multiple injuries. If a person has an abdominal injury, be sure to check the person for other injuries because abdominal injuries are often accompanied by injuries to the chest, pelvis or head.

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    Information Provided the Scientific Advisory Council (SAC)

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