What is the main goal when managing a casualty with junctional hemorrhage?

The primary objective when managing a casualty with junctional hemorrhage is to control hemorrhage with targeted pressure. Junctional hemorrhage refers to significant bleeding that occurs at points where the limbs meet the torso, such as the groin or axilla. These areas can be challenging to manage because traditional tourniquet applications may not be effective.

By employing targeted pressure, responders aim to directly compress the significant vessels involved in the bleeding, which can significantly mitigate blood loss. This approach may involve the use of hemostatic agents, pressure bandages, or manual pressure application to minimize the risk of shock or death due to excessive blood loss.

While other options, such as applying a tourniquet quickly, may be appropriate in other scenarios, junctional hemorrhage specifically requires a focus on targeted pressure to effectively control the bleeding in those anatomically sensitive areas. Keeping the casualty calm and administering pain relief are also essential in a broader context of patient care but do not directly address the immediate threat posed by the hemorrhage itself.