LESSON 8 CONTROLLING BLEEDING 2011 National Safety Council

LESSON 8 CONTROLLING BLEEDING © 2011 National Safety Council 8 -1

Bleeding • Many injuries cause external or internal bleeding • May be minor or life threatening • Most external bleeding is not severe and can be controlled © 2011 National Safety Council 8 -2

Effects of Blood Loss • Body can compensate for small blood loss • Severe blood loss (> 30%) results in lack of oxygen and shock • In infants and children, severe bleeding becomes critical more quickly © 2011 National Safety Council 8 -3

External Bleeding • Occurs when skin and other tissues damaged and blood escapes • Rate of bleeding depends on size and type of damaged vessels - Injury to major vessel close to skin surface as in the case of the scalp and face may cause heavy bleeding © 2011 National Safety Council 8 -4

Types of External Bleeding © 2011 National Safety Council 8 -5

Controlling External Bleeding • First aid needed immediately to stop bleeding • Apply direct pressure on wound covered with sterile dressing • Press directly with gloved hand or improvised barrier © 2011 National Safety Council 8 -6

Pressure Bandages • Apply if needed over wound on extremity to maintain direct pressure • Use roller bandage to completely cover wound and maintain pressure • Make sure it doesn’t cut off circulation • Check victim’s fingers and toes for circulation © 2011 National Safety Council 8 -7

Preventing Bloodborne Infection • Follow standard precautions • Use a barrier (e. g. , gloves, plastic wrap, victim’s own hand) • Wash hands immediately before touching anything else • Dispose of soiled supplies appropriately • Disinfect all contaminated items © 2011 National Safety Council 8 -8

Internal Bleeding • Any bleeding within body when blood does not escape • Can be life threatening • Consider the mechanism of injury © 2011 National Safety Council 8 -9

Signals of Internal Bleeding • Signals include— Soft tissues, such as those in the abdomen, that are tender, swollen or hard. Anxiety or restlessness. Rapid, weak pulse. Rapid breathing, shortness of breath. Skin that feels cool or moist and looks pale, ashen or bluish. Bruising in the injured area. Nausea and vomiting or coughing up blood. Abdominal pain. Excessive thirst. A decreasing level of consciousness. Severe headache. © 2011 National Safety Council

Care for Internal Bleeding • If there is minor internal bleeding, such as bruising, apply ice. • If you suspect internal bleeding, call 9 -1 -1 or the local emergency number immediately. • Follow these general care steps: Do no further harm. Monitor signs of life and consciousness. Help the victim rest comfortably. Keep the victim from getting chilled or overheated. Reassure the victim. Give any specific care needed. © 2011 National Safety Council

First Aid: Simple Bruises 1. Check for signs and symptoms of fracture or sprain. 2. Put ice or cold pack on area. 3. With arm or leg, wrap area with elastic bandage and keep the part raised. © 2011 National Safety Council 8 -12