Stopping Bleeding
There are four main types of bleeding - this topic covers the first three.
- CAPILLARY - VENUS - ARTERIAL - INTERNAL
Your heart pumps blood from one side of the heart to the lungs and then it returns back the other side of the heart. Then it is pumped out through the arteries to your body’s organs and capillaries. It is returned back to the heart via the venous system.
The types of bleeding can be easily identified by the colour and the way the blood leaves the body.
CAPILLARY BLEEDING
Is the least serious bleed and this is where blood oozes through the skin like a small cut or a graze, Capillary bleeding usually stops with little or no effort. It can easily be controlled; ensure that the wound is clean and apply a gauze dressing or adhesive dressing if necessary.
VENUS BLEEDING
can be identified by a steady non-pulsing flow of very dark red blood it is dark red because it has a low level of oxygen and is returning to the heart. This is a serious bleed.
ARTERIAL BLEEDING,
This is the most serious type of bleed - this is bright red and pulsing as it comes through the skin, it is bright red because it has come from the heart and lungs and is oxygenated.
What to do
- If possible get the patient to elevate the wound and apply pressure with their hand.
- If the bleeding is serious or you are concerned call the emergency medical services straight away.
- Put on barriers/gloves to avoid contact with any bodily fluid
- Apply pressure bandage - take care not to apply too tightly as this may cut off circulation. Start applying the dressing from the furthest point and dress towards the heart.
- When bandaging hands and arms leave a finger or thumb free so that you can check their circulation by squeezing their nail for five seconds, the colour should come back quickly if the bandage is not too tight.
- If bleeding seeps through add another pressure bandage over the top of the first one, if it keeps coming through remove both dressings and start again.
- If possible keep the wound higher than the patients heart, using a sling or simply by holding it.
- Reassure and keep monitoring for any signs of shock.
Tourniquets are not used in first aid, apply pressure, elevate the wound and contact the emergency medical services immediately.
Children are at a greater risk in cases of high blood loss, always contact the emergency medical services if you have any concerns.
When in doubt always call the Emergency Medical Services
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