Controlling Bleeding
Learning to control bleeding from an injury is one of the easiest but rewarding things you can do in life. The simple guide below outlines the basic points to remember with regards to major injuries so that your 'patient's' bleeding is kept to a minimum.
- Remove any clothing that is obstructing your access to the injury. Cut the clothing if necessary but watch out for sharp objects, such as shards of glass, which could cause injury to you.
- Once you have located the injury apply direct pressure with your fingers or the palm of your hand to control the abnormal bleeding. If you find you're having trouble applying direct pressure because of a protruding object then press down as firmly as you can on either side of the object. Use a clean dressing to apply pressure if you can as this will help with wound care in the future.
- Do whatever you need to to raise the injury above the level of the injured person's heart. This may mean lying the injured person down on the floor if the wound is on the leg. It may be beneficial to lay the person down anyway as this helps to minimize shock while also reducing the amount of blood that flows to the injured area.
- Once you have the bleeding under control, cover the wound with a sterile pad and apply a suitable dressing. Bandage the area securely but make sure the blood can still circulate freely past the point of the bandage. Elevate the injury as much as possible until the bleeding stops.
Bleeding Control for Minor Injuries
Bleeding from minor injuries can often be controlled with a simple sterile dressing or even a band aid. An alternative is to use liquid skin; a type of liquid plastic that is applied to the injured area. Once applied the liquid quickly forms a waterproof and germ proof barrier that also stops any bleeding.
When to call the Emergency Medical Services
The steps above will allow you to control bleeding from major injuries until members of the emergency service arrive. If you can't stop the bleeding or you feel the wound is severe then it is advisable to call 911 as soon as possible. This also applies to injuries that involve protruding, foreign objects.
Regardless of the severity of the bleeding it is important to control it as quickly as possible. Applying direct pressure and a suitable dressing are the best methods. Major injuries, however, may require medical attention and calling emergency services.
