Severe Bleeding

Bleeding means that blood is escaping from blood vessels. We distinguish between visible external bleeding (from wound), only this type of bleeding can be controlled, and internal bleeding. When invisible bleeding can be caused by violence or by certain diseases. Blood loss may cause circularly disturbance.

Symptoms and signs:

• Severe bleeding: blood spurts from a wound or escapes in gushes and a considerable quantity of blood is lost within a very short period of time.
• A pool of blood (on an impermeable surface) could be evidence for considerable blood loss.
• Blood soaked clothing.

Danger:

Severe bleeding, if not stopped or controlled in time, likewise coupled with symptoms of severe shock (= circulation failure) can be fatal.

First Aid:

Controlling bleeding is an essential life-saving measure. All other measures of first aid are pointless, if circulation fails due to uncontrolled blood loss.

The method of controlling bleeding depends on the severity or the bleeding and thus the blood loss, not on the type of bleeding. Almost every visible strong bleeding can be stopped by sufficiently strong external pressure on the source of the bleeding. Avoid direct contact with the blood (use disposable gloves).

Stop the bleeding by finger pressure:

• Sit or lay the casualty down.
• Press a sterile dressing onto the severity bleeding wound.
• Maintain pressure until the ambulance arrives.

Stop the bleeding with a pressure bandage:

Only where the shape of the body permits it, it suitable dressing and bandaging material is available and the first aider has learn and practical how to apply a pressure bandage, finger pressure can be replaced by a pressure bandage.

• Raising or elevation of the attached limb will increase the effect of the pressure bandage.
• If severe bleeding continuous, place a second dressing and bandage on top of the first and/or exert finger pressure.
• Keep a constant check on the effect of the pressure bandage.

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