First aid for bleeding can be a simple life skill, or it can be what prevents an emergency from becoming a catastrophe. Bleeding injuries range from minor nuisances like cuts, scrapes, and grazes, to open wounds where the bleeding is non-stop. Both require bleeding first aid knowledge, but the techniques are different.
First aid is easy enough when it’s a small injury; clean the area and put on a band aid. But when the blood won’t stop flowing, having first aid for bleeding knowledge could help you save a life.
Types of Bleeding: How to Recognise Severe Bleeding
There are three main types of bleeding: arterial, venous, and capillary. They define not just the type of injury, but also its severity and the first aid for bleeding needed.
Arterial bleeding is the most serious and life-threatening type. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart under high pressure, so arterial blood spurts out in bright red rhythmic pulses that match the heartbeat.
Venous bleeding is often harmless, but can escalate if not handled quickly and correctly. Veins carry blood back to the heart at much lower pressure than arteries, so venous bleeding flows steadily rather than spurting and appears dark red or maroon.
Capillary bleeding is the most common and least serious type of bleeding. Blood oozes slowly from tiny blood vessels near the skin surface. This type of bleeding usually stops on its own with minimal pressure and rarely requires emergency medical help.
Emergency First Aid for External Bleeding
First aid for bleeding begins with an assessment of the injury. Capillary or minor venous bleeding aren’t likely to become emergencies, but quick action is necessary for arterial bleeding. If there is an embedded object in the wound, do not attempt to remove it.
For your own health and safety, put on disposable gloves first if they are available, and call emergency services (000) or have someone else call while you begin first aid.
Direct Pressure
Place a clean cloth, sterile gauze, or a bandage directly over the bleeding point. Firmly apply direct pressure to the wound for at least ten to fifteen minutes without interruption. If blood soaks through the first pad, do not remove it. Add a second pad on top and apply a tighter bandage over the wound.
Wound Packing
Deep wounds may require wound packing, which involves pushing sterile gauze or haemostatic dressings directly into the cavity to apply pressure from inside. While wearing gloves, pack gauze tightly into the wound cavity, filling it completely from the bottom up until no space remains, then apply firm pressure over the packed material for at least three minutes to allow clotting to begin.
After You Stop the Bleeding
Once bleeding slows, secure the dressing with a pressure bandage to maintain constant pressure on the wound. Wrap the bandage firmly around the wound using overlapping layers, but not so tight that it cuts off circulation. If the limb becomes pale, cold, or numb, the bandage is too tight and needs loosening. Help the injured person lie down and remain still. If possible, elevate a bleeding limb above the level of the heart.
Tourniquets: When and How to Use Them
A tourniquet is a tight band applied around a limb to stop life-threatening bleeding from a limb when direct pressure fails. Prolonged tourniquet use can cause tissue damage, so they should only be used for life-threatening situations, such as mass casualty incidents or amputations. If a commercial tourniquet is not available, improvise one using a belt or similar item.
To apply a tourniquet, place it approximately 5 centimetres above the bleeding point, or above the joint if the wound is near a joint. Tighten the tourniquet until the bleeding stops, and note the time of application for emergency personnel when help arrives.
Do not cover the tourniquet with a bandage or clothing. Once applied, a tourniquet should not be removed until the person receives specialist medical aid at a hospital.
Learn Bleeding Control Techniques
First aid for bleeding is straightforward, but when you’re faced with a serious blood loss emergency, proper first aid training is needed to stop bleeding before it’s too late. Every minute counts when someone is losing blood, so do not hesitate to act. A first aid course can give you the skills to make the difference between life and death for someone in a bleeding emergency.
FAQs
What Are the Signs of Internal Bleeding?
Signs of internal bleeding include swelling or bruising, blood in vomit or urine, severe pain or tenderness, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, and confusion.
What Items Should Be in a First Aid Kit?
A well-stocked first aid kit should include sterile gauze pads and wound dressings, triangular bandages, elastic bandages, adhesive tape, disposable gloves, and scissors.
How Do Blood Thinners Affect Minor Bleeding?
People who take anticoagulant medications may bleed more and for longer because their blood does not clot as effectively.
