Arterial Bleeding

Distinguishing Arterial Bleeding

  1. It’s bright red. Venous blood is a darker red.
  2. It’s pulsating. Veins do not have beating walls, so the blood that flows out of them does not pulsate.

Steps

  1. Ensure that the scene is safe, you have gloves, you have a cotton pad (4X4 or 5X9), and that whatever caused the bleeding is deactivated, removed, or otherwise not there anymore.
  2. Let the patient know that you will be replacing their hand that is over the would (most people reflexively do this) with the cotton pad.
  3. When ready, the patient will lift up their hand while you put the pad down. Have the patient put direct pressure on the wound.
  4. Should blood leak through, have the patient allow you to put another pad down. The most crucial thing is to have the patient continue to apply pressure to the wound so long as they are conscious.
  5. Sit the person down or lower them to the ground to prevent injury should they become lightheaded.
  6. Watch the bleeding.

       1. If the bleeding does not leak through, you have controlled it. Get a fresh bandage and continue to apply pressure.    2. If the bleeding continues to leak, you may need a tourniquet. These are a delayed tool; wait 10-15 minutes, and ensure that the bleeding cannot be controlled and is life-threatening.

  1. After some time, get some dressing. Take the dressing, wrap from the distal end, and wrap somewhat tightly. Tuck the end into the dressing.

       1. Twist the dressing over the wound if more pressure is necessary.    2. Don’t create a tourniquet. Check blood flow with capillary nail refill test. If blood comes back after 1-2 seconds, you have not created a tourniquet.

  1. Get the patient to the hospital.

       1. If the patient begins to go into shock or lose consciousness, or you could not get the bleeding to stop, call emergency services.

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