SDS, or prolonged compression syndrome, is also called traumatic toxicosis, release syndrome. It occurs due to severe pressure on the soft tissues of the body for several hours. Contraction of a limb or the entire body can provoke its appearance, which is much less common over time. Typically, the cause is a car accident, the destruction of buildings after an earthquake, and other disasters.
Back in school years, children learn step-by-step steps in the event that a syndrome of prolonged compression occurs. An essay on this topic helps to fully consider all aspects of the process of helping a person in such a difficult situation. The most important point that every person should remember is that the victim should not be drastically released from the damaging object. This is explained very simply, because with prolonged pressure on the limb, blood flow is disturbed in it, which subsequently leads to the formation of decay products and the spread of toxins. It is these substances that are destructive for the whole organism that can spread throughout the body when blood circulation is restored.
Specialists identify the following most dangerous complications that the syndrome of prolonged compression leads to: traumatic shock, heavy bleeding with damage to soft tissues, and the spread of decay products throughout the body. In addition, the syndrome, compression is usually divided into three stages of development: early, intermediate, late.
The early stage lasts from one to three days and is characterized by a gradual increase in edema of the damaged part of the body. The patient immediately after release from the onset of the object feels general weakness, cold throughout the body and chills, the heart rate increases significantly, and blood pressure drops, sometimes to a mark incompatible with life. During an external examination of the patient, it can be noted that the swelling limb acquires a bluish tint, it hardens and, when pressed, dents are not formed. As a rule, the affected area remains motionless, and any attempts provoke the occurrence of acute pain in the joint.
The intermediate stage is called the period of acute renal failure and can occur for a month and a half. At this time, the patient notes the gradual removal of puffiness, the general condition is normalized. Every day the patient becomes easier, because blood pressure returns to normal, the heart rate becomes moderate, but is still slightly elevated, and the temperature is close to standard indicators (around 37 degrees Celsius). But it’s too early to rejoice in relief, because kidney failure continues to develop.
A timely visit to a doctor can save a life, so you can not wait for self-healing. It is worth remembering that with the defeat of a large part of the body, further treatment may be useless, then after a week a fatal outcome is detected. But if kidney activity is restored after intoxication, then they are talking about the next stage.
The syndrome of prolonged compression during the late period is characterized by the fact that the general condition of the person improves significantly, but the damaged limb hurts greatly, while ulcers appear on it in the area of the dead skin zone. Muscle atrophy and ulcers that have arisen create a favorable atmosphere for the development of purulent infection. For complete healing, surgical intervention aimed at removing dead skin areas will be required.
The period of treatment and recovery of the patient largely depends on the quality of first aid. It should be remembered that in no case can you just remove the limb from the wreckage or free the body from the subject of pressure. It is necessary to apply a tourniquet in the area just above the damage and only then can the damaged limb be removed. This is done in order to prevent intoxication of the whole organism. Then it can be removed except when there is heavy bleeding. Syndrome of prolonged compression will not lead to significant injuries if everything is done correctly and in time to provide the necessary assistance.