First Aid For Bleeding: Essential Steps on How to Stop It

First Aid for External Bleeding

It can be gruesome at first to see a lot of blood and a huge cut or gash in someone’s body. When providing first aid, it is crucial to avoid direct contact with the person’s blood to reduce the risk of infection. Always use protective measures such as disposable gloves or other barriers. It is best if you stay calm for them, as they are most likely in pain or are extremely scared of their well-being. If you are unable to physically help someone, find another friend or loved one; or if in public, find another bystander (preferably one who is First Aid certified) to administer the bandaging and care. If you are unable to find someone who is certified in First Aid, but willing to help, tell them to follow these directions, or for yourself:

• Expose the wound by removing any extra clothing, including shirts, coats, pants, socks, gloves, etc.

• Look for the pressure point and apply direct pressure to the wound with a towel, blanket, clothing, or anything that soaks up blood flow.

• While maintaining direct pressure for a few minutes, apply a dressing and bandage/ointment that may help to keep the wound moist and help the healing process.

• Reassess the wound to see if the pressure has stopped the bleeding. If the pressure hasn’t stopped, consider using a tourniquet (or a makeshift one with a clean cloth or clothing) if the wound is on a limb, that is two to three inches above the wound. If the blood goes through the bandages, DO NOT take them off. Just continue to put dressings over the old ones and make sure the tourniquet is tight and secure.

For embedded object wounds that are bleeding, do not remove the object, as it may be controlling the bleeding. Instead, pad firmly around the bleeding site and apply pressure to help manage the bleeding; ensure it’s enough blood to warrant concern. Seek emergency help to assess the injury, as they can properly remove the object and check for other injuries to ensure comprehensive care.

In our Emergency First Aid course, not only do we teach correct bandaging and placement, but also how to properly tie a tourniquet. We believe that to be ready for an emergency, you need to know everything and anything that can help a victim save their life.

Signs and Symptoms of Life-Threatening Internal Bleeding

When we think of bleeding, we mostly think of external bleeding, as that is what is mostly portrayed in the media for emergencies and accidents. What isn’t discussed commonly (but should be) is internal bleeding.

Internal bleeding is the escape of blood from arteries, veins, or capillaries into spaces in the body. Life-threatening internal bleeding usually occurs in injuries caused by a violent blunt force, such as when someone falls from a height, car accident, or physical assault. You should suspect it after any injury that involves a forceful blow to the body. It may also occur when a sharp object, such as a knife, penetrates the skin and bruises internal structures. These might be some of the symptoms a person with internal bleeding might show;

• Bruising in the injured area
• Soft tissues (the abdomen, tendons, ligaments) that are tender, swollen, or hard
• Blood in saliva or vomit
• Pain
• Severe thirst, nausea, and vomiting
• Anxiety

If internal bleeding transpires, call 911 right away, find an AED and seek medical help for the injured person immediately.

First Aid for Internal Bleeding

• Life-threatening internal bleeding, especially if it results from damage to an organ, requires medical attention.
• Help the bleeding person rest in the most comfortable position and provide continual care while waiting for EMS personnel to arrive.
• A person with life-threatening internal bleeding may be very thirsty, but giving anything by mouth (even water) can cause serious complications down the road.
• Monitor them until EMS arrives.

Register today with Coast2Coast and be someone’s next lifesaver! Bleeding emergencies occur more often than we suspect, so it’s in our best interest for all of us to be certified in First Aid safety. As a proud partner of the Canadian Red Cross, it is in our best interest to have everyone in our communities be first-aid certified!

How to Prevent Extensive Bleeding?

Life happens to us daily, and we have to be ready to handle any emergency at any moment, but there are several steps we can take to attempt prevention and have safety for us and our loved ones. The following precautions may reduce the likelihood of an injury that causes life-threatening bleeding:

• Be familiar with your surroundings. Make sure there are no holes, loose wires, or any broken furniture or objects around.

• Keep all sharp objects, such as knives, in a safe place. If small children are present, consider locking the compartment of sharp objects.

• Get proper training on machinery in the workplace.

• Always follow the outlined safety procedures when operating equipment.

• Wear and use appropriate safety equipment at work and at home.

• Only use the equipment for its intended purpose.

• Stay alert when operating equipment.

When to Seek Medical Help

Seek medical help immediately if the bleeding is severe, life-threatening, or doesn’t stop after 10-15 minutes of direct pressure. If the injured person shows signs of shock, has a head injury, or is bleeding internally, seek medical attention right away. If you’re unsure about the severity of the wound or the person’s condition, err on the side of caution and seek medical help. Remember to always call 911 or the local emergency number in emergency situations. Prompt medical attention can be critical in managing life-threatening conditions and ensuring the injured person’s safety.

Register today with Coast2Coast and be someone’s next life saver! Bleeding emergencies occur more often than we suspect, so it’s in our best interest for all of us to be certified in First Aid safety. As a proud partner of the Canadian Red Cross, it is in our best interest to have everyone in our communities be first-aid certified!