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


 
 
 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.
 
 
 
 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.
 
 
 
 Proximal pressure of the subclavian artery was applied against the first rib (the pressure points technique) and maintained for 28 minutes.
 
 
 
 Cessation of apparent bleeding and excellent, enduring physiologic response to blood transfusion were observed.
 
 
 
 The pressure points technique can be life-saving in junctional arterial hemorrhage and should be reconsidered in prehospital guidelines.
