What To Know About Internal & External Bleeding Emergencies

 

Some of us think only accidents happen to those who partake in risky behaviour or are on the more adventurous side, but the truth is an accident can occur anywhere at anytime. Besides choking, bleeding is one of the most common emergencies we experience, and are unaccustomed to handle unless we have proper First Aid training.

 

Coast2Coast prepares all our participants for the worst, so that when it comes time that an emergency arises, they will know what to do and take charge. We take high pride in our techniques and methods of teaching and showing proper bandaging.

 

Bleeding emergencies may be simply fixed with a Band-Aid and some tissue, while others can be more severe, and even life threatening, if not cared for quickly and efficiently. Life-threatening bleeding refers to a situation where large amounts of blood loss occur either externally (outside the body) or internally (within the body).

 

Life-threatening bleeding can ensue whenever one or more of the body’s blood vessels are mutilated. This can easily result in loss of life and must be controlled immediately. Bleeding from arteries is often rapid and profuse, and it is always life-threatening. This is because arterial blood is under direct pressure from the heart, so it usually spurts from the wound, making it difficult for clots to form. As a result, arterial bleeding is harder to control than bleeding from veins and capillaries (small blood vessels).

 

Veins are damaged more often than arteries because they are closer to the top layer of skin. Bleeding from veins (venous bleeding) is easier to control than arterial bleeding. Venous blood is under less pressure than arterial blood and flows from the wound at a steady rate without spurting.

 

How to Prevent Extensive Bleeding

 

Life happens to us daily, and we have to be ready to handle any emergency at any moment, but there are several steps we can take to attempt prevention and have safety for us and our loved ones. The following precautions may reduce the likelihood of an injury that causes life-threatening bleeding:

 

• Be familiar with your surroundings. Make sure there are no holes, loose wires, or any broken furniture or objects around.
• Keep all sharp objects, such as knives, in a safe place. If small children are present, consider locking compartment of sharp objects.
• Get proper training on machinery in the workplace.
• Always follow the outlined safety procedures when operating equipment.
• Wear and use appropriate safety equipment at work and at home.
• Only use equipment for its intended purpose.
• Stay alert when operating equipment.

 

Life-Threatening External Bleeding

 

The signs and symptoms of life threatening external bleeding include:

 

• Blood spurting or flowing freely from a wound (like how a spout shoots out water)
• Blood that fails to clot after you have taken all measures to control bleeding
• Large amounts of blood loss

 

If any of these symptoms take place, call 911 immediately and find an AED.

 

It can be gruesome at first to see a lot of blood and a huge cut or gash in someone’s body. It is best if you stay calm for them, as they are most likely in pain or are extremely scared of their well-being. If you are unable to physically help someone, find another friend or loved one (or if in public, find another bystanders [preferably one who is First Aid certified] to administer the bandaging and care. If you are unable to find someone who is certified in First Aid, but willing to help, tell them to follow these directions, or for yourself:

 

Expose the wound by removing any extra clothing including shirts, coats, pants, socks, gloves, etc.

 

Apply firm and direct pressure to the wound with a towel, blanket, clothing, or anything that soak up blood.

 

While maintaining direct pressure, apply a dressing and bandage, and then secure them in place.

 

Reassess the wound to see if the pressure has stopped the bleeding. If not, consider using a tourniquet (or a makeshift one with cloth or clothing) if the wound is on a limb.  that is two to three inches above the wound. If bleeding goes through the bandages, DO NOT take them off. Just continue to put dressings over the old ones and make sure the tourniquet is tight and secure.

 

 

 

In our Emergency First Aid course, not only do we teach correct bandaging and placement, but also how to properly tie a tourniquet. We believe that to be ready for an emergency, you need to know everything and anything that can help a victim save their life.

 

 

Life-Threatening Internal Bleeding

 

When we think of bleeding, we mostly think of external bleeding, as that is what is mostly portrayed in media for emergencies and accidents. What isn’t discussed commonly (but should be) is internal bleeding.

 

Internal bleeding is the escape of blood from arteries, veins, or capillaries into spaces in the body. Life-threatening internal bleeding usually occurs in injuries caused by a violent blunt force, such as when someone falls from a height, car accident, or physical assault. You should suspect internal bleeding after any injury that involved a forceful blow to the body. Internal bleeding may also occur when a sharp object, such as a knife, penetrates the skin and bruises internal structures.

 

Signs and symptoms of life-threatening internal bleeding can include the following:

 

• Bruising in the injured area
• Soft tissues (the abdomen, tendons, ligaments) that are tender, swollen, or hard
• Blood in saliva or vomit
• Pain
• Severe thirst, nausea, and vomiting
• Anxiety

 

If internal bleeding transpires, call 911 immediately and find an AED.

 

You cannot provide first aid for life threatening internal bleeding as a First Aider. Life-threatening internal bleeding, especially if it results from damage to an organ, requires hospital medical intervention. Help the injured person rest in the most comfortable position and provide continual care while waiting for EMS personnel to arrive.

 

DO NOT GIVE SOMEONE WITH INTERNAL BLEEDING WATER OR ANY LIQUIDS.

A person with life-threatening internal bleeding may be very thirsty, but giving anything by mouth (even water) can cause serious complications down the road.

 

 

Register today with Coast2Coast and be someone’s next life saver! Bleeding emergencies occur more often than we suspect, so it’s in our best interest for all of us to be certified in First Aid safety. As a proud partner of the Canadian Red Cross, it is in our best interest to have everyone in our communities be first-aid certified!