First Aid Bleeding

1. Chapter 8
Bleeding

2. Bleeding
• Average-size adult has 5 to 6 quarts
(5 to 6 L) of blood.
− Rapid blood loss can lead to shock and death.
• Loss of 1 quart (1 L) in adult
• Loss of a half quart (0.5 L) in child
• Hemorrhaging
− Loss of a large quantity of blood in a short
amount of time

3. Types of External Bleeding
• Arterial (spurting)
• Venous (flowing)
• Capillary (oozing)
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4. Body’s Response to Bleeding
• Body responds naturally to bleeding
− Blood vessel spasm
• Severed blood vessels draw back and constrict.
− Clotting
• Platelets form clot.
• Serves as a protective covering for wound

5. Care for External Bleeding
• Wear gloves.
• If no gloves, improvise with other materials.
• Expose wound to find source of bleeding.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

6. Care for External Bleeding
• Place sterile gauze
pad or clean cloth
over wound.
• Apply pressure.
• Hold direct
pressure for at
least 5 minutes.
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© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

7. Care for External Bleeding
• If the bleeding does
not stop within 10
minutes:
– Add dressings and
press harder over a
wider area.
• Apply a pressure
bandage over the
dressing.
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© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

8. Care for External Bleeding
• If the bleeding
continues, call 9-1-1.
− Consider using a
tourniquet if severe
bleeding from an arm or
leg cannot be stopped.
• Dispose of gloves and
wash your hands.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

9. Bleeding is Controlled:
What to Do
• Care for the wound.
• If needed, seek medical care for:
– Cleaning
– Stitches
– Tetanus immunization

10. Bleeding Continues:
What to Do
• Apply a manufactured tourniquet.
– If a manufactured tourniquet is not available,
apply an improvised tourniquet.
– DO NOT cover, release, or remove.
– Write “TQ” and the time it was applied on a
piece of tape, and apply it to the forehead.
• Call 9-1-1, or drive the person to a medical
facility.

11. Bleeding Still Continues:
What to Do
• Apply a hemostatic
dressing if:
– Direct pressure is not
effective
– A tourniquet is not available,
is ineffective, or cannot be
applied
Courtesy of Z-Medica.

12. Applying a Manufactured
Tourniquet
• Apply the tourniquet
about 2 inches
above the wound.
• Twist the rod until
the bleeding stops.
• Secure the rod in
place.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

13. Applying a Manufactured
Tourniquet
• Write “TQ” (for
tourniquet) and the
time it was applied
on a piece of tape,
and stick it on the
person’s forehead.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

14. Applying an Improvised
Tourniquet
• Use a triangle
bandage, wide
roller bandage, or
similar cloth folded
into a long band
about 2 inches
wide and several
layers thick.
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15. Applying an Improvised
Tourniquet
• Wrap the band twice
around the arm or
leg about 2 inches
above the wound
and tie a knot.
• Place padding
underneath the
band.
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16. Applying an Improvised
Tourniquet
• Place a short rigid
object onto the knot
and then tie a
square knot over it.
• Twist the object until
the bleeding stops.
• Secure the object.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

17. Applying an Improvised
Tourniquet
• Write “TQ” (for
tourniquet) and the
time it was applied
on a piece of tape,
and stick it on the
person’s forehead.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

18. Internal Bleeding:
What to Look For
• Bright red blood from mouth or rectum, or
blood in urine
• Vaginal bleeding (nonmenstrual)
• Vomited blood
• Black, foul-smelling, tarry stools
• Pain, tenderness, bruising, or swelling
• Broken ribs, bruises over chest, or rigid
abdomen

19. Internal Bleeding:
What to Do
• Monitor breathing.
• Expect vomiting.
• Treat the person for shock.
• Treat internal bleeding in an extremity by
applying a splint.
• Seek immediate medical care.

20. Bruises: What to Do
• Apply an ice pack over the injury for 20
minutes.
• If arm or leg is bruised:
– Apply an elastic compression bandage.
– Place several layers of gauze pads or other
cloth between the bandage and injury.