External bleeding is easier to recognize than internal bleeding because it is accompanied by an open wound. Bleeding can lead to a complex chain of events as the brain, heart, and lungs try to compensate for the loss of blood. At that point, they are trying to continue supplying oxygen-rich blood to the vital organs throughout the body.
Serious bleeding, whether it is internal or external, decreases the blood volume. This can be life-threatening and if you are performing first aid on someone, you need to address the bleeding immediately.
By understanding how to handle life-threatening external bleeding as a first aid respondent, you may be able to save a life! First Aid and CPR training not only teaches you amazing life-saving skills, but it also provides you with the confidence you need to help someone in need.
Types of External Bleeding
The body has a clotting response that usually stops mild bleeding within ten minutes. However, if the bleeding is excessive, you cannot allow the patient you are treating to go into hemorrhagic shock. The most difficult type of bleeding to control is bleeding from the arteries because the blood in the arteries comes directly from the heart. It spurts with such pressure that it doesn’t allow clots to form. Arterial blood has a high concentration of oxygen and has a bright red color. Arterial bleeding is a form of life-threatening external bleeding which needs to be controlled as quickly as possible. In most cases, bleeding is from veins, because they are closer to the skin’s surface. Venous blood flows at a slower rate than arterial blood and it doesn’t spurt, making it easier to control. The only time that venous blood is not easy to control is in wounds on the inside of the trunk or thighs. Venous blood does not have as much oxygen and is darker in color.Managing External Bleeding
Minor to moderate external bleeding is easy to stop by applying some pressure to the wound with a gloved hand. This compresses the wound and restricts the blood flow allowing the blood to clot. If the patient is responsive, they can maintain the pressure as you apply the bandage. If there is a foreign object embedded it cannot be removed at the scene. The wound must be bandaged on either side.
- The patient must be placed in a seated or reclining position.
- Pressure must be applied to the wound with a gloved hand.
- If the bleeding is from an injured limb, the limb must be raised if possible and supported above the level of the heart.
- Apply the sterile dressing to the wound and apply firm pressure to the dressing.
- Bandage the wound over the sterile dressing to ensure that the pressure is not removed.
- Do not remove the bandages if the blood soaks through. Continue to address the bleeding by adding more dressing and bandages.
- If the bleeding persists, and the wound is a limb, apply a tourniquet above the injury.
Applying a Tourniquet
A tourniquet is used to stop the blood flow when all other interventions are ineffective because it can have serious complications. It should be combined with a dressing and bandage to encourage the blood to clot. As a first aid respondent to an accident scene, you may need to apply a tourniquet in any situation where you are unable to apply standard hemorrhage control or where there may be many casualties to attend to. It can also be applied if you cannot assess the wound. Keep in mind, the use of a tourniquet may cause other complications for the patient, so do not use it unless absolutely necessary. If you are unable to stop life-threatening external bleeding with the steps above, using a tourniquet may be the only option. The tourniquet is applied 2 to 4 inches above the injury, or just above any joint close to the wound. Before securing the tourniquet, tighten it until the bleeding stops. If possible, continue to apply direct pressure to the wound. Once the tourniquet is applied, the patient must be placed in the rapid transport category.
Using Hemostatic Dressings
First aid responders and EMS professionals use hemostatic bandages to promote rapid blood coagulation. These gauzes are coated with hemostatic ingredients and can be used on wounds or for wound packing a penetrating injury. They are applied to the wound with pressure and held like that for at least three minutes. After a reassessment, if the bleeding has been controlled, then the gauze can be repacked. If, after the initial application, the wound continues to bleed, a second gauze can be applied. Performing first aid training on a bleeding wound needs a quick assessment and a quick course of action, especially during life-threatening external bleeding.The Importance of First Aid Training for Life-Threatening External Bleeding
First Aid and CPR are great skills to have regardless of a person’s occupation. Coast2Coast First Aid & Aquatics offers many courses which include training on external bleeding. Learn how to properly take care of an external bleed in various situations by using gauze and bandages. You may learn more about how to handle life-threatening external bleeding by enrolling in a Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C course at one of our training facilities. If you wish to learn more about external bleeding or other advanced topics, join us for one of our Professional Responder Programs such as a First Responder or Emergency Medical Responder course.
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