Bleeding and Hemorrhage Control

Severe Bleeding

  • Must be controlled immediately.
  • Signs include profuse bleeding.
  • Use a tourniquet or hemostatic dressing if bleeding is life-threatening.

Key Terms

  • Arteries: Carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart (except pulmonary arteries).
  • Veins: Carry oxygen-poor blood to the heart (except pulmonary veins).
  • Capillaries: Link arteries and veins for nutrient/waste exchange.
  • Tourniquet: Constricts blood vessels to stop blood flow.
  • Hemorrhage: A large amount of bleeding in a short time.

Blood Composition and Function

  • Blood volume is about 7% of body weight.
  • Average adult has 10-12 pints of blood.
  • Functions:
    • Transports oxygen, nutrients, and wastes.
    • Protects against disease (antibodies).
    • Maintains body temperature.
  • Plasma: Liquid part, maintains blood volume.
  • Solid components: Red and white blood cells, platelets.

Blood Vessels

  • Arteries: Carry blood away from the heart; blood pulses with heartbeat.
  • Capillaries: Transfer nutrients and waste between blood and tissues.
  • Veins: Carry blood back to the heart; blood flows evenly.

Body's Response to Severe Bleeding

  • Brain signals heart and lungs to compensate.
  • Platelets initiate clotting.
  • White blood cells prevent infection.
  • Fluid reabsorption maintains blood volume.
  • Severe blood loss is life-threatening due to oxygen deprivation.

External Bleeding

  • Arterial Bleeding:
    • Rapid, severe, spurting.
    • High oxygen concentration, bright red color.
  • Venous Bleeding:
    • Easier to control; steady flow.
    • Lower pressure, dark red or maroon color.
  • Capillary Bleeding:
    • Slow oozing, clots easily.

First Aid for Minor Open Wounds

  • Use PPE (gloves).
  • Apply direct pressure.
  • Wash with soap and water.
  • Apply antibiotic ointment.
  • Cover with sterile gauze and bandage.

First Aid for Major Open Wounds

  • Call 9-1-1 immediately.
  • Use PPE.
  • Apply direct pressure with sterile dressing (up to 15 minutes).
  • Add more dressings if blood soaks through; do not remove.
  • Check feeling, warmth, and color.
  • Apply pressure bandage.
  • Monitor for changes; loosen if too tight.

Tourniquet Use

  • Use if direct pressure fails, location is confined, multiple injuries, or scene is unsafe.
  • Apply 2 inches above the wound, avoiding the joint.
  • Tighten until bleeding stops.
  • Secure the rod and note the time of application.
  • Do not remove until medical personnel arrive.

Hemostatic Dressings

  • Use when tourniquets are not practical (e.g., neck, torso) or ineffective.
  • Apply at bleeding site with direct pressure.

Internal Bleeding

  • Caused by blunt or penetrating trauma.
  • Signs/Symptoms: Shock, thirst, cool/moist/pale skin, altered consciousness, rapid/weak heartbeat, coughing/vomiting blood, tenderness/swelling/rigidity, bruising.
  • First Aid: Call 9-1-1, care for shock.