Controlling Bleeding: First Aid Guidance
Understanding Bleeding
Bleeding Sources: Injuries can lead to bleeding from various body parts, posing a life-threatening and distressing situation for both the patient and the first aider.
Staying Calm and Taking Action
Maintain Composure: When faced with bleeding, remain calm and rely on your training, as it may appear worse than it is.
First Step: Ensure you are wearing gloves, as with all first aid procedures.
Controlling Serious Bleeding
Direct Pressure: The initial approach to control serious bleeding is applying direct pressure. This can be done by the patient or with your gloved hand, which aids in blood clotting.
Pressure Bandage: For cuts, consider using a sterile pressure bandage. Check the dressing's expiry date and, if expired, use it only if no other option is available.
Opening the Dressing: Tear open the packet to access the bandage with a gauze pad. Avoid removing embedded objects from the wound.
Applying the Dressing
Immediate Action: If possible, ask the patient to apply direct pressure with a sterile gauze pad while you put on gloves.
Patient Position: Seat or lay the patient down, minimizing the risk of injury in case of fainting.
Calling for Help: If the bleeding is severe, instruct a bystander to call for an ambulance. If alone, make the call after dressing application.
Proper Dressing Application: Apply the dressing distally (away from the heart) towards the body, maintaining enough pressure to stop bleeding without obstructing circulation.
Leakage: If blood seeps through the first dressing, remove it, assess the wound, and apply a fresh dressing. This indicates a serious bleed requiring immediate medical assistance.
Arm Sling: Once bleeding is stable, immobilize the arm using a sling if applicable.
Circulation Check
Monitoring: After dressing application, check circulation by testing for capillary refill, especially if the dressing is on an arm.
General Bleeding Cases
Body Cuts: Similar procedures apply to any other type of cut. Use a dressing pad for direct pressure or secure it with a bandage if possible.
Addressing Shock
Shock Concern: In cases of serious bleeding, watch for signs of shock. If shock occurs, lay the patient down and elevate their legs if feasible.
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