Each adult body carries between five and seven litres of blood, which makes up 7-8% of a persons body weight. Our bodies need blood continually circulating in order for them to function and our organs to be supplied with oxygen.
As bleeding is one of the most common causes associated with death, it is important that we know how to reduce the loss of blood from a casualty.
-
-
Minor Bleeding
Any minor bleeding, such as scrapes or small cuts can be treated at home. It is important to wash the area under water and remove any dirt or debris that is in or around the area. The most effective way to do this is with a clean facial tissue, cotton wool ball or paper towel. Once you have removed any foreign objects, pat the area dry and apply an antiseptic before covering with a bandage, if needed.
If in the case you are unable to remove any foreign objects from the area, it is important that you see a medical professional as you risk infection. It is also important to make sure you are up to date with your vaccinations.
Examples of minor bleeds include:
Abrasions
An abrasion is a wound in which skin layers tear. They are often rough and can be caused by rough surfaces, claws, scratches etc. The skin is torn and irregular, but do not bleed as much as a cut.
Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are considered as not usually being serious and can also be treated at home. The best way to stop a nosebleed is to pinch just above the nostrils with your thumb and forefinger with your head tilted forward. It is best to continue this for 10 minutes to ensure bleeding has ceased. After 10 minutes, release your hold gently and check for any bleeding. If bleeding continues for any more than 20 minutes, it is advised you see a medical professional.
It is also important to note that you should not blow or pick your nose after it has bled.
-
-
Severe External Bleeding
Severe external injuries can cause damage to arteries. To determine whether or not damage to an artery has been done, take a look at the casualty’s blood. If it is bright red which spurts almost in time with every heart beat, damage to an artery has been done. If the blood is a darker red, a vein has been damaged and blood lost will flow from the wound.
Examples of severe external bleeding include:
-
Amputation
Amputation is the severing of a limb or part of a limb on the body.
-
Incision
Incision is most commonly known as an open slice wound. It is only a narrow wound, but is often deep and bleeds extensively. It can be cause by a sharp knife or piece of metal.
-
Laceration
Much link an incision, but a laceration is not as cleanly cut. Associated with tissue loss, a laceration is a jagged-edge wound which can be cause from road accidents and barbed wire fence.
-
Puncture
Puncture wounds are generally a small incision, but are commonly quite deep, potentially affecting internal organs. A puncture wound can be cause by a spear object through to a bullet.
-
Treating Severe External Bleeding
It is important in these situations that you call for emergency help as soon as possible. Call 000 to alert the emergency services of the incident.
Before approaching the casualty, check the area for any danger. If the person is not already lying down, lie them on their back and if possible, raise their injury above the level of their heart. In order to gain access to the affected area, you may need to take off or cut back clothing. Once you have clear access to the area, apply pressure to the wound with your hands to stem the blood flow. Cover the wound with a dressing and continue to apply pressure. If the casualty is conscious and able to help, get them to apply pressure to their wound. This will free your hands to bandage.
Bandage the wound firmly, but not too tight. If in the case an object is inside the area, do not remove it. Ensure to apply pressure directly around the object. Keep applying pressure until emergency services arrive.
-
-
Internal Bleeding
Internal Bleeding can be either visible or concealed. The differences between the two are that visible bleeding can be seen whereas concealed bleeding shows no direct evidence of bleeding.
After a serious injury, internal bleeding should always be considered.
-
Visible
Most people are familiar with the most common type of visible internal bleeding – bruising. Bruising occurs when a damaged blood vessel leaks into surrounding skin. Other types of visible internal bleeding include:
Bowel Injury – Bleeding from the anus
Head Injury – Bleeding from the ears
Lung Injury – Coughing up blood with spit
Urinary Tract Injury – Blood in the urine
Concealed
Even if you can’t see any blood, internal bleeding in a serious injury can occur. To detect concealed bleeding, look for the following indications:
-
Skin Appearance
Usually pale, cool and clammy
-
Conscious State, Pulse and Respiration
The casualty may be unconscious due to head injuries or have a rapid, weak pulse or rapid shallow breathing.
-
Thirst
The casualty may be increasingly thirsty
-
Pain or discomfort
The casualty may curl up into the foetal position due to pain or discomfort. They may also feel nauseated and have visible swelling of the abdomen.
-
Treating Internal Bleeding
Basic first aid cannot treat any kind of internal bleeding successfully. Emergency services should be notified immediately of any suspected internal bleeding. However, there are a number of things you can perform in order to make the wait more comfortable for the casualty.
Lie the person down and check if they are conscious. If they are, lay them on their back with their legs elevated and bent at the knees. If they are unconscious, lay them in the recovery position and elevate their legs if possible.
Don’t give the casualty anything to drink or eat. Offer insurance and treat any other injuries. Frequently check that the person is breathing and that they have a pulse. Stay with them until emergency services arrive.
