Bleeding

Bleeding is the loss of blood from the circulatory system. Causes can range from small cuts and abrasions to deep cuts and amputations. Injuries to the body can also result in internal bleeding, which can range from minor (seen as superficial bruising) to massive bleeds.

First aid for severe external or internal bleeding is critical in order to limit the loss of blood until emergency medical aid arrives. First aid actions to manage external bleeding include applying direct pressure to the wound, maintaining the pressure using pads and bandages, and, raising the injured limb above the level of the heart if possible.

Small cuts and abrasions that are not bleeding excessively can be managed at home.

First aid suggestions include: Clean the injured area with sterile gauze soaked in normal saline or clean water. Do not use cotton wool or any material that will fray or leave fluff in the wound. Apply an appropriate dressing such as a band aid or a non-adhesive dressing held in place with a hypoallergenic tape.

This dressing must be changed regularly

See your doctor if you can’t remove the dirt yourself. A dirty wound carries a high risk of infection. in the last 5 years, see your doctor.

Bleeding from the nose is usually not severe

First aid suggestions include:

• Sit the person upright
• ask them to tilt their head forward. Using the thumb
• squeeze their nostrils shut. Hold for at least 10 minutes

Release the hold gently and check for bleeding

If the bleeding has stopped, advise them to avoid blowing their nose or picking at it for the rest of the day.

If the bleeding continues beyond 20 minutes, seek medical aid. If the nose bleed occurs again, seek medical aid.

Even a small injury can result in severe external bleeding, depending on where it is on the body.

This can lead to shock

In medical terms, shock means the injured person no longer has enough blood circulating around their body. Shock is a life-threatening medical emergency. First aid management for severe external bleeding includes: Check for danger before approaching the injured person.

Put on a pair of gloves, nitrile ones, if available.

If possible, send someone else to call 911 for an ambulance.

Lie the person down

If a limb is injured, raise the injured area above the level of the person’s heart (if possible). Get the person to apply direct pressure to the wound with their hand or hands to stem the blood flow.

If the person can’t do it, apply direct pressure yourself.

You may need to pull the edges of the wound together before applying a dressing or pad.

Secure it firmly with a bandage

If an object is embedded in the wound, do not remove it.

Apply pressure around the object

Do not apply a tourniquet

If blood saturates the initial dressing, do not remove it. Add fresh padding over the top and secure with a bandage. The most common type of visible internal bleed is a bruise, when blood from damaged blood vessels leaks into the surrounding skin.

Some types of internal injury can cause visible bleeding from an orifice (body opening).

For example: urinary tract injury – blood in the urine. It is important to remember that an injured person may be bleeding internally even if you can’t see any blood.

An internal injury can sometimes cause bleeding that remains contained within the body; for example, within the skull or abdominal cavity. Listen carefully to what the person tells you about their injury – where they felt the impact, for example. They may display the signs and symptoms of shock.

In the case of a head injury, they may display the signs and symptoms of concussion.

Therefore, it is important to ask the right questions to collect the relevant information. The signs and symptoms that suggest concealed internal bleeding depend on where the bleeding is inside the body, but may include: unconsciousness.

Some signs and symptoms specific to concussion (caused by trauma to the head) include:

• vomiting. First aid cannot manage or treat any kind of internal bleeding

Prompt medical help is vital

Suggestions include:

• Check for danger before approaching the person. If possible
• send someone else to call 911 for an ambulance

Check that the person is conscious

Lie the person down

Cover them with a blanket or something to keep them warm.

If possible, raise the person’s legs above the level of their heart. Don’t give the person anything to eat or drink.

Offer reassurance

Manage any other injuries, if possible.

If the person becomes unconscious, place them on their side.

Check breathing frequently

Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary.

Some diseases can be spread through open wounds

Remember: If possible, wash your hands with soap and water before and especially after administering first aid.

Dry your hands thoroughly before putting on gloves

First aid kits contain gloves

Always put on gloves beforehand if available

If not, improvise.

Do not cough or sneeze over the wound

Always call 911 in an emergency. First aid for severe external bleeding includes direct pressure on the wound maintained by using pads and bandages, and raising the injured area above the level of the heart if possible. First aid for internal bleeding includes laying the person down, raising their legs above the level of their heart and not giving them anything to eat or drink.

(Michigan) Tel. Minor bleeding If you have not had a booster vaccine against tetanus Nosebleeds Severe external bleeding Internal bleeding – visible bowel injury – bleeding from the anus head injury – bleeding from the ears or nose lung injury – coughing up frothy, bloodied sputum (spit) Internal bleeding – not visible Symptoms of concealed internal bleeding pain at the injured site swollen, tight abdomen nausea and vomiting pale, clammy, sweaty skin breathlessness extreme thirst headache or dizziness loss of memory, particularly of the event confusion altered state of consciousness wounds on the head (face and scalp) Internal bleeding is a medical emergency Spread of disease through bleeding Things to remember Where to get help In an emergency, call 911 Emergency department of the nearest hospital Your doctor (GP) For first aid training, St John Ambulance United States (616) 555-0400 For first aid training, American Red Cross (616) 555-0400.

Key Points

• Causes can range from small cuts and abrasions to deep cuts and amputations
• dirty wound carries a high risk of infection
• Some types of internal injury can cause visible bleeding from an orifice (body opening)
• important to remember that an injured person may be bleeding internally even if you can’t see any blood
• They may display the signs and symptoms of shock