Melbourn Health Training Services - Excellence in health and fitness education

EXCELLENCE
IN HEALTH AND FITNESS EDUCATION

Email: mhts

Phone: 95637222

Mobile: 0412656837

9a.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday - Friday

WOUNDS - BLEEDING WOUNDS - BLEEDING

If possible, before you try to stop severe bleeding, wash your hands to avoid infection and put on synthetic gloves. Don't reposition displaced organs. If the wound is abdominal and organs have been displaced, don't try to push them back into place. Cover the wound with a dressing.

ALL external bleeding should be stopped - except for the ear where it might be red or clear.

ARTERIAL BLEEDING - is bright red and spurts, because it is pumped out under pressure.
VENOUS BLEEDING - is dark red and pours out.
CAPILLARY BLEEDING - oozes out.

External Bleeding

This is VISIBLE bleeding from a wound.

Treatment - non embedded object

Have the injured person lie down. If possible, position the person's head slightly lower than the trunk or elevate the legs. This position reduces the risk of fainting by increasing blood flow to the brain. If possible, elevate the site of bleeding.

While wearing gloves, remove any obvious dirt or debris from the wound. Don't remove any large or more deeply embedded objects. Don't probe the wound or attempt to clean it at this point. Your principal concern is to stop the bleeding.

Apply pressure directly on the wound. First use your hands.
Maintain pressure until the bleeding stops. Use a sterile bandage, clean cloth or even a piece of clothing. If nothing else is available, use your hand. Hold continuous pressure for at least 20 minutes without looking to see if the bleeding stopped. You can maintain pressure by binding the wound tightly with a bandage (or even a piece of clean clothing) and adhesive tape.
Secure the dressing with a roller bandage.
Elevate the injured part.
Immobilize the injured body part once the bleeding has stopped. Leave the bandages in place and get the injured person to the emergency room as soon as possible.

Don't remove the gauze or bandage. If the bleeding continues and seeps through the gauze or other material you are holding on the wound, don't remove it. Instead, add more absorbent material on top of it.

Squeeze a main artery if necessary. If the bleeding doesn't stop with direct pressure, apply pressure to the artery delivering blood to the area of the wound. Pressure points of the arm are on the inside of the arm just above the elbow and just below the armpit. Pressure points of the leg are just behind the knee and in the groin. Squeeze the main artery in these areas against the bone. Keep your fingers flat. With your other hand, continue to exert pressure on the wound itself.

ALWAYS CHECK THE CIRCULATION BELOW THE BANDAGE.

IF THERE IS BLUENESS, NUMBNESS OR TINGLING SENSATION, LOOSEN THE BANDAGE.

Treatment - embedded object

Check the wound for embedded object
Rest and reassure the casualty
Do not remove the foreign object. It acts as a plug and helps stop bleeding.
Removal of the foreign object can cause further injury as well
Use a bandage to pad around the object so as to keep it in place and stop it from moving.

Secure the pad with a roller bandage.

Internal Bleeding

- VISIBLE SIGNS - Bleeding from:

LUNGS - coughing up bright red blood
STOMACH - vomiting up coffee-grained fluid
UPPER BOWEL - passing offensive black tarry diarrhoea
LOWER BOWEL - passing visible red blood in bowel action
KIDNEYS OR BLADDER - passing smoky or red-coloured urine
MISCARRIAGE - heavy vaginal loss

Concealed Bleeding

Bleeding into muscles after injury or broken bones.
Bleeding into abdominal cavity e.g. from the spleen or liver or other medical problems.

N.B. If the casualty has an abdominal injury

- lay casualty down
- raise the legs
- bend the knees
- ensuring the lower legs are above the level of the knees.

Bleeding from Special Areas

1. Nose - Apply direct pressure on the soft part of nostril. Sit the casualty up and tilt the head forward.
2. Tooth Socket - Place a gauze pad in socket and bite on it.
3. Ear - Cover the ear loosely and let drain freely.
4. Vaginal - Place sanitary pad in situ.

Traumatic Amputations

If a limb, finger or toe is severed (cut off):

1. Check D.R.A.B.C.D.
2. Control the bleeding by direct pressure and elevation. If this method fails then apply a constrictive bandage above the elbow or knee of the severed limb to stop the blood flow.
3. Wrap amputated part in gauze or material and place in a plastic bag and seal it.Do not wash the amputed part as you may cause injury to the severed part and render it difficult to re-attach. Place the bag in a container of water to which crushed ice has been added.
4. Send the casualty to medical aid together with the amputated part.

Remember Advise medical aid of the location and time of application of the constrictive bandage if it has been applied.

Abdominal Injuries

Causes - Crush, blow, puncture, open or closed (may result in penetration or rupture of internal organs).

History of injury is vital

If there is a large wound in the abdomen with internal organs protruding:

1. Check D.R.A.B.C.
2. Rest and reassure the casualty - if conscious - on back with head and shoulders raised - knees bent and supported.
3. Cover the protruding organs with a clean moist dressing - do not push them back inside the body.
4. Do not give the casualty anything to eat or drink.
5. Call for urgent medical aid.

Abrasions

Abrasions have damaged the outer layer of the skin.

1. Stop the bleeding

2. Clean the wound - remove dirt, sand and gravel from the skin as it is on the surface and you are not disturbing blood vessels or nerves. If dirt and gravel are left in the area will become infected and need cleaning in an emergency centre.

3. Cover with a clean bandage

4. Seek medical attention if required.

If you suspect internal bleeding, seek emergency help. Signs of internal bleeding may include:

Bleeding from body cavities (such as the ears, nose, rectum or vagina)
Vomiting or coughing up blood
Bruising on neck, chest, abdomen or side (between ribs and hip)
Wounds that have penetrated the skull, chest or abdomen
Abdominal tenderness, possibly accompanied by rigidity or spasm of abdominal muscles
Fractures
Shock, indicated by weakness, anxiety, thirst or skin that's cool to the touch