Overview
Blood is transported around the body in three core types of blood vessel:
Arteries: Conveys blood under high compression away from the heart.
Veins: Conveys blood under low pressure back to the heart.
Capillaries: Conveys blood to the person’s tissues and cells; small and low pressures.
Injuring an artery or even a vein can lead to severe blood loss if the flow is not controlled. A serious bleed is a medical crisis which needs quick first aid action in order to stop the bleeding.
Losing Too Much Blood
If somebody loses a great deal of blood, they will go into a state known as “shock”. Our body can handle a small quantity of blood loss, this is why donating blood is perfectly harmless. Though, if you lose a lot of blood your body’s cells are not getting enough oxygen and your body goes into shock.
If a casualty is going into shock, they might display some of the subsequent signs & symptoms:
- Pale, sweaty skin;
- Faintness and confusion;
- Frail, fast pulse;
- Quick breathing;
- Dehydration;
- Queasiness and nausea; and
- Reduced level of vigilance
Treatment for Severe Bleeding
You can utilize the first aid reminder PEEP to recall how to deal with an extreme case of bleeding.
Position: Ask the casualty to be seated on the floor if possible.
Expose and examine: Swiftly discover and inspect the wound(s) for any implanted objects.
Elevation: If the wound is to a limb, raise the limb beyond the level of the heart.
Pressure: Ask the casualty to apply stable force over the wound (if the casualty is incapable of doing this, you will need to apply pressure for them).
Some Tips for Severe Bleeding
- You must stay composed and comfort the casualty. The view of blood can be extremely terrifying.
- If the wound is small, rinse it with soap and water.
- Place the casualty down. This will diminish the possibility of fainting by increasing the blood to the brain.
- Remove any loose fragments or grime from the wound. If an item such as a knife becomes entrenched in the body, DO NOT remove it. Doing so might cause additional injury to the victim and might increase the quantity of bleeding. The item also may be entrenched in an artery. Position cloths and dressings around the item and tape the item in place.
- Place pressure directly on an exterior wound with a disinfected bandage, hygienic fabric, or even a piece of clothing. If zero else is accessible, use your hand. Uninterrupted pressure is best for exterior bleeding, excluding an eye wound.
- Acquire medical assistance as soon as possible.