Clinical case 3

A 25-year-old female is brought to ED by ambulance with a major vaginal bleed. She tells you she was assaulted by her husband who forcefully penetrated her vagina with a foreign body.

Your colleague completes an ABCD trauma assessment.

• A – patent
• B – no signs of chest injury, respiratory rate 18, SpO2 98% on room air
• C – heart rate 120, BP 94/46, abdomen soft and non-tender, no other source of bleeding identified
• D – GCS 15, normal blood glucose
• E – No other significant injuries identified. Profuse vaginal bleeding makes a pelvic examination difficult but there is a deep vaginal laceration visible.

Your gynaecology colleagues are offsite and have suggested you pack the vagina before they arrive.