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The causes of external bleeding can come from numerous sources. Any type of cut, scrape or fall where blood is coming from an open wound is considered external bleeding.
There are three types of external bleeding. Capillary bleeding is the most common type of external bleeding. This type of bleeding occurs when blood oozes from capillaries. It is usually not serious and the easiest form of external bleeding to control.
The second more serious type of bleeding is venous bleeding. This is when a vein has been severed and blood flows or gushes steadily. Most veins collapse when cut, which aids in controlling this type of external bleeding until medical attention can be received.
The third and most serious type of external bleeding is arterial bleeding. This type of injury can lead to a large amount of blood loss, as the blood flows at a faster rate is less likely to clot. Even so, with the quick response and by administering the proper first aid method of controlling external bleeding, it is unlikely a person will bleed to death before medical assistance arrives.
No matter what type of external bleeding may occur, the first aid method administered is the same. Following this technique will assist you in caring for a victim suffering from external bleeding.
First and foremost you must control the bleeding. Do not touch a wound with your bare hands unless it is your last resort. Wearing latex gloves can protect you against various forms of disease. If latex gloves are unavailable you can protect yourself by using plastic wrap, plastic bags or several layers of gauze pads. Any type of clean, waterproof material will suffice. If necessary, you can have the victims apply direct pressure to the wound themselves.
Expose the wound to see where the blood is coming from by removing or cutting away clothing. Then place some type of clean cloth over the entire wound and apply direct pressure using your fingers or the palm of your hand. Do not apply pressure too lightly. Applying direct pressure evenly and constantly controls bleeding in most cases. If the blood soaks through the cloth or bandage, do not remove the bandage. Instead apply new cloth or bandage on top of the old bandage and continue applying direct pressure. Most bleeding can be controlled within 10 minutes.
If bleeding continues after 10 minutes, you may be applying pressure too lightly or may not have direct pressure on the wound. You may need to press harder and wider in the area you are attending. Another factor of continual bleeding could be the cause of gravity. If the injury is on an arm or leg you need to elevate this extremity above heart level, making it difficult for the body to pump blood to the wounded area. Direct pressure in combination with elevation will assist in stopping bleeding.
If bleeding is too severe to control at this point, applying pressure to one of the pressure points on the victim in combination the direct pressure on the wound can be administered. There are two pressure points on both side of the body that are easy to access. The brachial point is located in the upper inside arm where the artery is near the skin’s surface, passing close to the bone. The femoral point is located in the groin arm where the artery is near the skin’s surface, passing close to the bone. Since the exact location of the pulse point must be used CPR training is highly recommended. Used incorrectly this procedure is useless. In most cases direct pressure over the wound will control external bleeding.
Once the bleeding has been controlled, you can use a pressure bandage to secure the dressing on the wound. This can be attained by wrapping gauze snuggly over the dressing or around the wounded area. Never apply the bandage too tight or apply a tourniquet. A tight bandage can cut off circulation causing more problems for the injured person. A tourniquet can also damage nerves and blood vessels, which could result in the loss of an arm or leg. Using wide, flat, cloth type materials is recommended. Never use wire or rope to secure a bandage.
Never apply pressure of any kind to an eye injury, a skull fracture or in the case of an imbedded object. In cases of a skull fracture, imbedded object or protruding bone you may use a doughnut-shaped ring pad of clean cloth materials to control bleeding. To create a ring pad wrap one end of a narrow bandage or materials around your four fingers several times to form a loop. Pass the other end of the bandage through the loop continue wrapping it around until the entire bandage has been used and a ring is formed. The ring can then be placed around the eye, bone, imbedded object or head injury secured by a loose bandage until medical assistance arrives.
In the case of any type of bleeding that cannot be controlled in 10 minutes seek immediate emergency attention.
In all cases wounds requiring first aid for external bleeding, it is important after the bleeding has stopped to see a health care professional. The injury may require stitches, x-ray etc.; an open wound is also prone to infection, so visit your doctor.
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