Generally, bleeding could be minor, including grazes, cuts, chipped skin, etc. However, bleeding is life-threatening to anyone who gets a cut as it can damage the artery or veins. That’s when first aid, as you apply firm pressure, for bleeding, has to be given to the patient to save their life and stop them from panicking any further. While some severe wounds can be because of direct stabbing, others would be because of falling around sharp objects. So, first responders need to learn the bleeding first aid tips by taking first aid classes. Consider the complete guide below and never hesitate again to save someone from bleeding severely when you have first aid certification.
Identifying Types of Bleeding In First Aid
There are mainly three bleeding categories in first aid. Bleeding from arteries or veins is a severe first aid emergency condition. But the capillary bleeding is the most common and easy to treat. Let’s read about these three main types below for more information:
Arterial bleeding emergency
It is the most severe bleeding category or type. It happens when there is severe damage to blood vessels and organs. The arterial bleeding is distinctive as the blood is red because it is still oxygenated. The bleeding from arteries comes in pulses or spurts. The first aid for bleeding from arteries is difficult. It’s not easy to stop the bleeding even when you continue to apply pressure. Immediate medical attention and help are required.
Venous bleeding emergency
It is less life-threatening in comparison to arterial bleeding but is still severe. The blood coming from veins is dark red as it doesn’t have much oxygen. The veins are not under direct pressure from the heart. So, the blood flow from the veins is forceful. The bleeding first aid for this type follows similar treatment procedures as in arterial bleeding.
Capillary bleeding emergency
Capillary bleeding is the most common as blood pours out because of skin injuries. It is easiest to treat when you apply firm pressure and basic first aid for bleeding. The blood from capillary bleeding or cuts comes out of the blood vessels beneath the skin. So, the blood flow is easy to manage or stop within a few minutes of the injury.
Internal bleeding: Causes and Treatments
We cannot see internal bleeding as it happens within cavities of the body, tissues, or organs. For example, it is bleeding within muscles, spinal canal, joints, abdomen, eye, etc. It is difficult to identify at first. Symptoms occur when a significant blood clot compresses an organ’s actions and does not let it function properly. The causes of internal bleeding with its treatments are:
Causes of Internal Bleeding
- Broken bones or fractures
- Pregnancy – potential miscarriage/ectopic pregnancy/placental abruption/vaginal bleeding
- Alcohol abuse
- Bleeding after unsuccessful surgeries
- Blunt trauma
- Deceleration trauma
- Medications
- Spontaneous bleeding
Treatments for Internal Bleeding
The internal bleeding first aid procedure begins with assessing the patient’s situation. When there are possible signs of internal bleeding, immediately call 911. Simultaneously, try to help the patient to breathe properly. There must be no blockage for them to breathe and avoid panicking or going into traumatic shock. The next best alternative is to find where the bleeding could be coming from. Then the first responder has to help the patient treat that cause, if possible, with medications. The best medical advice here is to consider the doctor as soon as possible if the patient has a repeated case of internal bleeding.
First Aid Treatment To Control Bleeding
Bleeding first aid steps include calling 9-1-1 if:
- The bleeding is severe.
- You think the patient has internal bleeding.
- There are severe cuts and bleeding nearing the abdomen and/or chest.
- Blood is spurting out of the wound and is hard to control with pressure.
- You are unable to stop the blood after continuous pressure for 5-10 minutes.
Other first aid steps to control bleeding include:
- Stop the bleeding with pressure on the cut/wound from a clean cloth.
- Do not remove the cloth, even if it is soaked in blood. Put more gauze or cloth there, instead.
- Wash your hands after the immediate first aid care and before immediately cleaning the blood around the cut or wound.
- Use soap and warm water to clean wounds or cuts.
- Use antibiotic cream to prevent infection.
- Cover the wound with a sterile bandage and change it daily to keep the cut/wound dry.
Call the doctor when:
- The patient has a fever.
- The cut is deep and on the patient’s face.
- Red streaks start forming around the cut.
- The wounded area feels numb.
- The wound is from an animal or insect bite.
- The wound has happened to the person who hasn’t gotten the tetanus injection shot in the last five years.
Home Remedies To Stop Bleeding
Even small cuts can create panic when these are in sensitive locations like the mouth, face, or near the abdomen. With home remedies, the first aid for bleeding is effective temporarily and causes less panic around the situation for the patient. Such home remedies to stop bleeding include:
- Apply ice to the bleeding cut/wound.
- Apply significant pressure with the gauze or cloth on the wound.
- Apply a wet tea bag to the cut/wounded area.
- Sprinkle the yarrow plant power around the wound to stop the bleeding.
- Apply mouthwash on the wound/cut.
- Apply petroleum jelly products like lip balm or creams onto the cut/wounded area.
Conclusion:
First aid for bleeding includes many home remedies and procedures, like calling 9-1-1 and seeking a doctor’s help. With the proper training in the first aid course from American HealthCare Academy, you could be the first one in a medical emergency to save lives. The training could give you a sense of self-worth, self-confidence, and the right knowledge to act on time. When taken in a combination with CPR, how long does CPR certification last? It lasts for 2 years. You can renew the certification when it’s near expiry. Enroll in our online first aid courses today and get the printable certification card as you pass the exam.
