Bleeding comes in all shapes and sizes. From minor cuts and scrapes to severe bleeding following a serious injury or accident. Unlike other injuries where the first aid remains the same no matter the degree of damage, the severity of bleeding determines what kind of first aid is needed. Whether it’s a minor nuisance to a life threatening emergency, and the difference your ability to control the bleeding could save someone’s life.
Types of Bleeding
Your body has three types of blood vessels, and each has its own different type of bleeding when damaged. Being able to identify which type of bleeding you’re dealing with is the first step in providing bleeding first aid as it determines your approach.
Capillary Bleeding
Capillaries are tiny blood vessels near the skin’s surface that are easily damaged by scraps, cuts, bumps, and other lesser traumas. Bleeding appears as a slow trickle and often stops on its own. Everyday cuts and grazes fall into this category.
Venous Bleeding
Veins carry blood back to your heart and operate under lower pressure. Blood from a venous wound flows in a steady stream and appears dark red or maroon. While venous bleeding is generally easier to control than arterial bleeding, heavy bleeding from a large vein can still be highly dangerous.
Arterial Bleeding
Arteries carry blood away from your heart using high pressure. When an artery is damaged, blood spurts from the wound in rhythm with your heart rate and appears bright red because it contains high levels of oxygen. This is the most dangerous form of bleeding and leads to the most blood loss.
First Aid for Minor Wounds
Small cuts, scrapes, and shallow wounds rarely pose a life threatening risk, but proper bleeding first aid can prevent infection and lead to faster healing. This applies to capillary and most instances of venous bleeding.
Start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then use disposable gloves if they are available. Quickly rinse the wound under gently running clean water or use a sterile saline solution to flush out any dirt, debris, or bacteria. After cleaning the wound, apply pressure to the area with a clean cloth, sterile gauze, or bandage pad for several minutes. Cover the wound with an appropriately sized bandage to keep it clean and protected. Change the bandage daily or whenever it becomes wet or dirty.
Treating Severe Bleeding and Haemorrhage
For arterial bleeding, call emergency services immediately. While waiting for help, apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth, sterile gauze pad, or bandage directly over the bleeding wound. If blood soaks through the first dressing, do not remove it. Instead, add another layer of padding on top and apply direct pressure more firmly. Position the injured person lying down if possible, and keep them warm and calm.
Tourniquets and When to Use Them
A tourniquet is a device that is wrapped around an injured limb to restrict blood flow. Prolonged tourniquet use can cause tissue damage, so they should only be used when direct pressure has failed to stop severe bleeding or when uncontrolled bleeding threatens the injured person’s life, such as from amputations.
Wrap the tourniquet approximately 5 centimetres above the bleeding point, directly on bare skin if possible, then tighten it. Once applied, a tourniquet should not be removed until the injured person receives specialist medical care. Note the time of application and inform paramedics when they arrive.
Learn First Aid to Stop Bleeding
Bleeding is easy to treat once you know the steps. But when bleeding is serious, panic can take over. The best way to keep your wits and remember how to stop the bleeding in a medical emergency is by taking a first aid course. You’ll not only learn how to stop excessive bleeding, you’ll also learn about the different types of bandages, when to use them, and how to step in and provide immediate medical assistance in a wide range of other emergencies.
FAQs
Can Medications Affect Bleeding?
Yes. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and prescription blood thinners like warfarin interfere with your body’s natural blood clotting process. If an injured person takes these medications, bleeding may be heavier.
What Are the Signs of Internal Bleeding?
Internal bleeding occurs when blood collects inside the body rather than flowing from an external wound. Warning signs include unexplained bruising, severe pain, dizziness, rapid heart rate, pale or clammy skin, and blood in vomit, urine, or stool.
How To Treat a Nosebleed?
Have the person sit upright and lean forward slightly to prevent blood from flowing down the throat. Pinch the soft part of their nose firmly and maintain pressure for at least 10 minutes without releasing to check. If bleeding continues after 30 minutes seek medical help.
