Disclaimer

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Guidance

Bleeding is the loss of blood from the circulatory system.

First aid for severe bleeding is critical in order to limit the loss of blood until emergency medical aid arrives.

Always call emergency services in an emergency.

Nosebleeds

Bleeding from the nose is usually not severe.

First aid suggestions include:

– Sit the person upright and ask them to tilt their head forward.

– Using the thumb and forefinger, squeeze their nostrils shut.

– Hold for at least 10 minutes.

– Release the hold gently and check for bleeding. If the bleeding has stopped, advise them to avoid blowing their nose or picking at it for the rest of the day.

– If the bleeding continues beyond 20 minutes, seek medical aid.

– If the nose bleed occurs again, seek medical aid.

Minor bleeding

Small cuts and abrasions that are not bleeding excessively can be managed at home.

First aid suggestions include:

– Clean the injured area with sterile gauze soaked in normal saline or clean water.

– Do not use cotton wool or any material that will fray or leave fluff in the wound.

– Apply an appropriate dressing such as a band aid or a non-adhesive dressing held in place with a hypoallergenic tape. This dressing must be changed regularly.

– See your doctor if you can’t remove the dirt yourself. A dirty wound carries a high risk of infection.

– If you have not had a booster vaccine against tetanus in the last five years, see your doctor.

Severe external bleeding

Even a small injury can result in severe external bleeding, depending on where it is on the body.

This can lead to shock.

In medical terms, shock means the injured person no longer has enough blood circulating around their body. Shock is a life-threatening medical emergency.

First aid management for severe external bleeding includes:

– Check for danger before approaching the injured person.

– If possible, wash your hands with soap and water before and especially after administering first aid. Dry your hands thoroughly before putting on gloves.

– Put on a pair of medical gloves, nitrile ones, if available.

– If possible, send someone else to call emergency services for an ambulance.

– Lie the person down. If a limb is injured, raise the injured area above the level of the person’s heart (if possible).

– Get the person to apply direct pressure to the wound with their hand or hands to stem the blood flow. If the person can’t do it, apply direct pressure yourself.

– You may need to pull the edges of the wound together before applying a dressing or pad. Secure it firmly with a bandage.

– If an object is embedded in the wound, do not remove it. Apply pressure around the object.

– Do not apply a tourniquet.

– If blood saturates the initial dressing, do not remove it. Add fresh padding over the top and secure with a bandage.

To manage external bleeding:

– Unwrap a sterile pad or dressing that will cover the wound.

– Be mindful not to touch the sterile pad.

– Apply and maintain direct pressure to the wound for up to five minutes, then assess.

– Use a dress to wrap the wound, to maintain direct pressure. The wrapping should be snug, with a finger able to be slipped underneath it.

– Raise the injured limb above the level of the heart, if possible.

– Seek medical advice at the earliest opportunity.

Internal bleeding 

Internal bleeding is a medical emergency. If may be visible or non visible.

First aid cannot manage or treat any kind of internal bleeding. Prompt medical help is vital.

Symptoms of internal bleeding

– Pain at the injured site.

– Swollen, tight abdomen.

– Nausea and vomiting.

– Pale, clammy, sweaty skin.

– Breathlessness.

– Extreme thirst.

– Unconsciousness.

Some signs and symptoms specific to concussion (caused by trauma to the head) include:

– Headache or dizziness.

– Loss of memory, particularly of the event.

– Confusion.

– Altered state of consciousness.

– Wounds on the head (face and scalp).

– Nausea and vomiting.

Suggested treatment includes:

– Check for danger before approaching the person.

– If possible, send someone else to call emergency services, for an ambulance.

– Check that the person is conscious.

– Lie the person down.

– Cover them with a blanket or something to keep them warm.

– If possible, raise the person’s legs above the level of their heart.

– Don’t give the person anything to eat or drink.

– Offer reassurance. Manage any other injuries, if possible.

– If the person becomes unconscious, place them on their side. Check breathing frequently. Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary.