Chapter 8

Bleeding

External Bleeding

• Blood coming from an open wound

• Hemorrhage

• A large amount of bleeding in a short time

Recognizing External Bleeding

• Three types

• Capillary (oozing)

• Venous (flowing)

• Arterial (spurting)

Response to Bleeding

• The body responds naturally to bleeding.

• Blood vessel spasm

• Severed blood vessels draw back, constrict, and slow bleeding

• Clotting

• Platelets in blood form clot

• Serves as a protective covering for wound

Care for External Bleeding(1 of 2)

• Wear gloves.

• Expose wound.

• Cover with clean cloth or gauze.

• Apply direct pressure.

• Elevate the area.

Care for External Bleeding(2 of 2)

• Apply a pressure bandage or ring pad.

• Apply pressure at a pressure point if needed.

• Reassure victim.

Internal Bleeding

• Skin is not broken and blood is not seen.

• Can be difficult to detect and can be life-threatening

• Causes:• Bleeding stomach ulcers• Lacerated liver• Ruptured spleen• Broken bones (such as femur)

Recognizing Internal Bleeding• Bright red blood from mouth or rectum or

blood in urine

• Nonmenstrual vaginal bleeding

• Vomiting or coughing up blood

• Black, foul-smelling stool

• Pain, tenderness, bruising, or swelling• Broken ribs, bruises over lower chest, rigid

abdomen

Care for Internal Bleeding

• Monitor breathing.

• If vomiting occurs, roll victim on his or her side.

• Treat for shock by raising victim’s legs.

• Treat internal bleeding in an extremity by applying a splint.

• Seek immediate medical care.

Bruises

• A form of internal bleeding

• Not life-threatening

• Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes. • Raise extremities if no bones are

broken and apply an elastic bandage for compression.