external bleeding first-aid
gmsd
Traumatic Injuries
This section of the course covers the most common types of injuries you’re likely to encounter. They include:
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external bleedingBleeding can be internal or external. If left uncontrolled, it can be a serious threat to a person’s life. It’s important to know what you’re looking at when you’re trying to help someone who is bleeding.
Minor Bleeding is usually the result of small scrapes and cuts. In most cases, it can be stopped by applying pressure. Be sure to stay calm. A lot of the time, bleeding will look worse than it actually is. Severe Bleeding occurs when a large blood vessel is torn or cut, resulting in rapid blood loss. Dressing vs Bandaging Many people confuse the terms dressing and bandage. They are actually two different things.
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when to call 911 for bleedingYou should call, or ask someone to call 9-1-1 if:
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tourniquets, pressure & bandaging
Controlling Bleeding by Direct Pressure and Bandaging
Follow these steps to help someone who is bleeding:
Follow these steps to help someone who is bleeding:
- ● Make sure the scene is safe
- ● Get the first aid kit, or have someone else get it if they are available
- ● Put on personal protective equipment (PPE)
- ● If they can, ask the injured person to apply pressure to the wound, while you put on your PPE. Apply dressings from your first aid kit. Put pressure on the dressings over the bleeding area. Use the flat part of your fingers, or the palm of your hand
- ● If the bleeding does not stop, add a second dressing and press harder. Do not remove a dressing once in place. You may cause the wound to bleed more. Instead, keep pressure on the wound until it stops
- ● Once the bleeding has stopped, or if you can’t keep pressure on the wound, firmly wrap a bandage over the dressings to hold them in place
- ● If the cut is minor, wash the area with soap and water before applying a dressing to it
Using a Tourniquet
When an arm or leg won’t stop bleeding, you can use a tourniquet. Make sure to call 9-1-1 and get an AED if possible, uncontrolled bleeding can lead to more complications. Your first aid kit should contain a pre-made tourniquet. It should have two main components: One is a strap that is wrapped around the injured person’s arm or leg. The other is a straight, stick-like object called a windlass, which is used to tighten it. If used correctly, a tourniquet should stem the flow of blood. It is also likely to cause pain as the bleeding stops. Once the tourniquet is in place, note the time and leave it alone. |
applying pre-made tourniquetFollow these 7 steps when using a pre-made tourniquet on an injured person.
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making & applying tourniquetIf you don’t have a pre-made tourniquet, you can make one. Follow steps 1-3 as normal.
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severe trauma, amputation, internal bleeding
Penetrating and Puncturing InjuriesPenetrating and puncturing injuries require special care. When a sharp object, such as a knife or a nail, has penetrated the body or punctured the skin, you don’t treat it as if it’s a normal bleeding injury.
When trying to help someone with a penetrating or puncturing injury, you should take the precautions you normally would.
When trying to help someone with a penetrating or puncturing injury, you should take the precautions you normally would.
- ● Make sure the scene is safe
- ● Call 9-1-1
- ● Put on your PPE
- ● When providing aid, try to stop any visible bleeding
amputation
Traumatic amputation is when any part of an arm or leg is cut or torn off. Certain body parts, such as toes and fingers, may be reattached in some cases. It is important to know the steps you must take to stop bleeding and protect the amputated part.
- ● Make sure that the scene is safe
- ● Call, or have someone else call 9-1-1
- ● Put on PPE
- ● Try to stop the bleeding of the injured area with very firm pressure. This may take a long time
- ● Rinse it with clean water
- ● Cover it with a clean dressing
- ● Place it in a watertight plastic bag
- ● Place the plastic bag in another container with ice, or water and ice
- ● Label the container with the person’s name, and the current date/time
- ● Send the part to the hospital with the victim
internal bleeding
Internal bleeding, or bleeding inside the body, isn’t always obvious. You might be able to see a bruise under the skin, or you might not see any signs at all. You also won’t be able to determine just how much bleeding has occurred.
You should suspect internal bleeding if a person:
You should suspect internal bleeding if a person:
- ● Has been injured in a car crash, hit by a car, or has fallen from a great height
- ● Has sustained an injury to the chest or abdomen, including bruises
- ● Has sustained a sports-related injury, such as being hit with a ball or colliding with another person
- ● Has abdominal pain or chest pain after an injury
- ● Is short of breath after an injury
- ● Is vomiting or coughing up blood after an injury
- ● Shows signs of shock, but not external bleeding
- ● Has a knife or gunshot wound
- ● Make sure the scene is safe
- ● Call 9-1-1
- ● Get the first aid kit and AED
- ● Put on PPE
- ● Have the person lie down, and ask them to keep still
- ● Check for signs of shock
- ● Give CPR if you need to
shock
A person may go into shock when they lose a large amount of blood, have a heart attack, or a severe infection or allergic reaction. It's important to recognize the Signs of Shock.
Symptoms of a shock include:
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bleeding from noseTo stop a nosebleed, follow these steps:
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bleeding from mouthA mouth injury can become serious if blood or broken teeth end up blocking the airway. Like with nosebleeds, the bleeding may be stopped by applying pressure.
When someone is bleeding from their mouth:
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tooth injuriesTeeth that are broken, loose, or knocked out can become choking hazards. When someone suffers a tooth injury, follow these steps:
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eye injuriesEye injuries are common first aid emergencies that can potentially lead to big problems, especially if left untreated. Common signs of an eye injury include pain, bruising, bleeding, swelling, and difficulty seeing. If a person’s eye has been hit hard, or punctured, call 9-1-1 immediately.
When helping someone who has sustained an eye injury:
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additional resources
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