Sharon has 21+ years of experience as a qualified Emergency Care Nurse registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (APHRA) and 12+ years as a First Aid Trainer.
She takes pride in FirstAidPro making first aid training available, comprehensive and affordable to everybody.
Imagine being the first responder in a life-threatening situation where someone’s survival depends on your actions. First aid for severe bleeding requires swift and decisive intervention to stop the flow and save a life.
Knowing first aid for severe bleeding is critical. From assessing the situation to applying direct pressure, every step you take plays a vital role in ensuring the best possible outcome.
Key Takeaways
- Assess the situation, ensure personal safety, and call for emergency help immediately.
- Locate the bleeding source and expose the wound by removing clothing or debris.
- Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or sterile dressing for at least 15 minutes.
- Elevate the injured area above heart level while maintaining direct pressure.
- Monitor vital signs, prevent shock, and prepare for medical handover by gathering relevant information.
Assess the Situation
Verify your safety and that of the victim. If you’re in a hazardous environment, move to a safer location if possible. Don’t put yourself at risk of becoming a victim too.
Quickly scan the surroundings for potential hazards like sharp objects, traffic, or aggressive individuals that could put you at risk while providing care.
During your assessment, focus on these key areas:
- Environmental hazards: Look for fire, unstable structures, or hazardous materials.
- Ongoing threats: Assess if there’s an active shooter, aggressive individuals, or dangerous animals.
- Traffic risks: In roadside incidents, be aware of oncoming vehicles and establish a safe zone.
- Electrical dangers: Check for downed power lines or exposed electrical sources.
If you identify any immediate threats, don’t approach the scene. Instead, call for professional help and wait for their arrival. Only when you’ve determined the area is safe should you proceed to assist the injured person.
Call for Emergency Help
Immediately dial 000 in Australia when confronted with severe bleeding. This vital step initiates professional emergency response and guarantees that advanced medical care is on its way.
When making the call, remain calm and provide clear, concise information about the situation, including your exact location and the nature of the emergency. During your emergency communication, be prepared to answer questions about the victim’s condition, the cause of bleeding, and any first aid measures you’ve already taken.
If possible, stay on the line with the dispatcher, as they may provide additional instructions or guidance until help arrives. If you’re alone, consider putting the call on speakerphone so you can continue administering first aid while maintaining contact with emergency services.
Even if you’re unsure about the severity of the situation, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek professional medical assistance promptly.
Locate the Bleeding Source
Locating the source is your first critical step in first aid for severe bleeding.
You’ll need to quickly identify the wound location to assess its severity and determine the appropriate treatment. When identifying the wound location, follow these steps:
- Visually scan the victim’s body for obvious signs of bleeding, such as blood-soaked clothing or pooling blood.
- Check for hidden wounds by gently feeling for wet or sticky areas on the skin, particularly under clothing.
- Ask the victim, if conscious, where they’re experiencing pain or discomfort.
- Look for signs of internal bleeding, such as bruising, swelling, or rigid abdomens.
Assess Bleeding Severity
After identifying the wound location, you’ll need to quickly assess the severity of the bleeding to determine the urgency of care required.
First aid for severe bleeding begins with recognising the different bleeding types. Capillary bleeding, characterised by slow oozing from small blood vessels, is typically minor. Venous bleeding, darker in colour and flowing steadily, is more serious. Arterial bleeding, bright red and spurting, is the most critical and requires immediate attention.
Observe the rate and volume of blood loss. If blood is rapidly pooling or soaking through clothing, it’s likely severe. Check for signs of shock, such as pale, cool, and clammy skin, rapid breathing, or altered consciousness. These indicate significant blood loss and require urgent intervention.
Apply Direct Pressure
Direct pressure is the most essential step in first aid for severe bleeding. It’s a critical compression technique that you must apply immediately to stop blood loss. Using a clean cloth or sterile dressing, press firmly on the wound with the palm of your hand. Maintain constant, steady pressure for at least 15 minutes without lifting or checking the wound. This allows time for clotting to begin.
If blood soaks through the first layer, add more layers on top without removing the original dressing. Remember, your goal is to apply enough force to stop the bleeding while minimising further tissue damage.
For effective bleeding control, follow these steps:
- Elevate the injured area above the heart, if possible
- Expose the wound site completely
- Remove any visible debris or foreign objects
- Apply direct pressure using a clean cloth or sterile dressing
Elevate the Injured Area
While maintaining direct pressure, you’ll want to elevate the injured area above heart level to help reduce blood flow to the wound. This elevation technique is essential in first aid for severe bleeding and can greatly improve the effectiveness of your first aid efforts.
To properly elevate the injured area, use pillows, cushions, or any available objects to prop up the limb. If it’s a leg injury, lying down and raising the affected leg can be an effective method.
When employing elevation techniques, be mindful of injury stabilisation. Don’t force the limb into an uncomfortable position, as this may exacerbate the injury or cause additional pain. If the patient experiences increased discomfort during elevation, adjust accordingly.
For injuries to the head or torso, elevation may not be possible or advisable. In these cases, focus on maintaining firm pressure and seeking immediate medical attention.
Remember that elevation is a supplementary measure and should never replace direct pressure. Continue to apply firm pressure to the wound while keeping the injured area elevated. This combined approach will help slow blood loss and improve the chances of successful bleeding control until professional medical help arrives.
Utilise Tourniquets as Last Resort
Tourniquets should only be used as a last resort when other methods fail to control severe bleeding and are generally only recommended for use by professional first responders.
You’ll need to apply the tourniquet above the wound, tightening it until the bleeding stops.
Be aware that while tourniquets can be life-saving, they carry risks such as tissue damage and potential limb loss if left in place for extended periods.
When to Use Tourniquets
Tourniquets are essential in life-threatening situations where direct pressure and elevation aren’t effective. They’re designed to completely cut off blood flow to a limb, potentially saving a life at the risk of tissue damage.
Consider using a tourniquet in these scenarios:
- Amputation or near-amputation injuries
- Multiple severe wounds on a single limb
- Mass casualty incidents where resources are limited
- Situations where maintaining direct pressure isn’t possible
Proper Tourniquet Application Technique
Proper application of a tourniquet is critical for its effectiveness and to minimise potential complications.
When using a tourniquet, place it 5-7 cm above the wound on a single bone area, such as the upper arm or thigh. Avoid joints and existing wounds.
For commercial tourniquets, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Typically, you’ll wrap the strap tightly around the limb, secure it, and twist the windlass until bleeding stops. Lock the windlass in place and note the time of application.
If using improvised tourniquet materials, such as a belt or cloth strip, verify they’re at least 4 cm wide to prevent tissue damage. Tie the material around the limb and use a sturdy stick or rod as a windlass. Twist until bleeding stops, then secure the windlass.
Regardless of tourniquet type, monitor the patient closely. Check for pulse absence below the tourniquet and watch for signs of continued bleeding. Don’t loosen or remove the tourniquet; only trained medical professionals should do so in a controlled environment.
Risks of Tourniquet Use
Tourniquet complications can be severe and potentially lead to permanent damage or loss of the affected limb. Before applying a tourniquet, you should exhaust alternative methods such as direct pressure, wound packing, and pressure dressings.
It’s essential to understand the risks associated with tourniquet use:
- Nerve damage: Prolonged pressure can cause temporary or permanent nerve injury.
- Tissue death: Cutting off blood supply may lead to tissue necrosis if left on too long.
- Reperfusion injury: When blood flow is restored, toxins can flood the body, causing shock.
- Compartment syndrome: Swelling within the affected limb can lead to further complications.
Always prioritise other bleeding control techniques before resorting to a tourniquet. If you must use one, apply it properly and seek immediate medical attention.
Monitor Vital Signs
Regularly check the patient’s essential signs to assess their condition and detect any changes in their health status. Key signs monitoring techniques are important in first aid for severe bleedin. Focus on measuring blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and temperature.
Use a blood pressure cuff to check systolic and diastolic pressure every 5-10 minutes. A rapid, weak pulse or dropping blood pressure may indicate worsening shock. Monitor the pulse rate by feeling the carotid or radial artery; an increased heart rate could signal ongoing blood loss. Count respirations for 30 seconds and multiply by two; rapid, shallow breathing might indicate respiratory distress.
Check the patient’s temperature using an oral or tympanic thermometer. Hypothermia is a concern in severe bleeding cases. Observe skin colour and temperature; pale, cool, and clammy skin may suggest poor circulation.
Document all key signs and note any trends. Be prepared to report this information to emergency medical services upon their arrival.
Prevent Shock
As you continue care, it’s important to take immediate steps to prevent shock, a life-threatening condition that can occur due to severe blood loss.
Maintain the person’s body temperature by covering them with a blanket or coat. Don’t move them unnecessarily, as this can worsen their condition. If possible, provide reassurance and keep them calm to reduce stress on their body.
To further prevent shock:
- Loosen tight clothing around the neck, chest, and waist to improve circulation.
- Don’t give the person anything to eat or drink, as this can cause complications.
Prepare for Medical Handover
Preparation is essential when handing over care to medical professionals, guaranteeing they receive accurate and timely information about the injured person’s condition and treatment. As you await emergency responders, gather all relevant details about the incident and the patient’s status. Note the time of injury, the severity of bleeding, and any treatments you’ve administered.
Prepare a concise verbal report that includes the patient’s name, age, and any known medical conditions or allergies. Describe the mechanism of injury, the location and extent of bleeding, and the measures you’ve taken to control it. Don’t forget to mention any signs of shock or changes in the patient’s level of consciousness.
Your thorough preparation will help guarantee a smooth handover of care and the best possible outcome for the injured person.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Role Does Body Positioning Play in First Aid for Severe Bleeding?
Positioning the injured person correctly can help control blood loss and prevent complications. Keeping them lying down with legs slightly elevated can promote circulation and reduce the risk of shock, while ensuring the injured limb remains elevated when possible.
How Does Severe Blood Loss Affect the Brain?
A rapid decrease in blood volume can limit oxygen delivery to the brain, leading to dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness. In extreme cases, prolonged oxygen deprivation may cause long-term neurological damage if not treated promptly.
Can Cold Temperatures Worsen Bleeding?
Yes, exposure to cold conditions can slow the body’s ability to form clots, prolonging bleeding. Keeping the injured person warm with blankets or clothing helps maintain normal clotting function and reduces the risk of hypothermia.
