First Aid for Bleeding and Wound Management

Bleeding and Hemorrhage Management

Bleeding, also known as hemorrhage, is the leakage of blood outside its usual circulatory vessels. Hemorrhages are classified into three main types:

• External Bleeding
• Internal Bleeding
• Externalized Bleeding through Natural Orifices

External Bleeding: Recognition and First Aid

In this type of bleeding, blood surges through a wound in the skin to the outside of the body.

Treating External Bleeding

The order of action for external bleeding must be followed carefully:

1. Apply direct manual pressure with gauze or a clean cloth. Never use cotton directly on the wound.
2. If possible, raise the bleeding area above the level of the heart.
3. If the above steps are insufficient, apply pressure on arterial sites along the path of the main artery above the bleeding point, crushing the artery against a bone.
4. A tourniquet should only be applied as a last resort when all other measures have failed, bleeding persists, and the individual shows symptoms consistent with the onset of shock.

Internal Bleeding: Signs and Emergency Response

Internal bleeding occurs when blood from vessels does not flow out of the body but remains within body cavities (e.g., thorax, abdomen).

Managing Internal Bleeding Symptoms

Symptoms of internal bleeding often overlap with those of shock. Therefore, immediate treatment should focus on managing shock and preparing for urgent medical care:

1. Position the individual lying on their back with legs elevated.
2. Tilt the head to prevent aspiration of vomit.
3. Cover the individual with a coat or blanket to prevent heat loss (hypothermia).
4. Arrange for urgent transfer to a hospital.

Externalized Bleeding from Natural Orifices

Bleeding that exits the body through natural orifices may appear from the ear (known as otorrhagia), through the nose (known as epistaxis), or from the mouth.

Initial Actions for Externalized Bleeding

In all cases, especially if there is a history of prior trauma, these individuals must be examined and monitored by a physician for further development.

Wound Care: Simple and Serious Injuries

Simple or Superficial Wounds

If a wound is superficial, not excessively long, and has minimal bleeding, apply an antiseptic such as Mercurochrome. Never use antibiotic ointments or powders without medical advice.

Serious or Complicated Wounds

Immediate Steps for Serious Wounds

• Do not clean or probe the wound.
• Place a sterile dressing (e.g., gauze) over the wound.
• Transport the injured individual to a hospital immediately.