*HEMORRHAGE

Reported by: Leidy Jean Ann S. Doncillo

Hemorrhage
Escape

of blood from blood vessels into surrounding tissue. When a vessel is injured, hemorrhage continues as long as the vessel remains open and the pressure in it exceeds the pressure outside of it maybe external or internal

Bleeding may be from:

a.

ARTERY bleeding is characterized by spurts with each beat of the heart, is bright red in color (although blood darkens when it meets the air) and is usually severe and hard to control. b. VENUS bleeding is characterized by a steady flow and the blood is dark, almost maroon in shade. c. CAPILLARY bleeding is usually slow, oozing in nature and this type of bleeding usually has a higher risk of infection than other types of bleeding.

FIRST AID FOR BLEEDING IS INTENDED TO:

STOP

THE BLEEDING PREVENT INFECTION PREVENT SHOCK

External bleeding
Since

profuse and steady bleeding from major blood vessel can be fatal within minutes, emergency measures must be taken without delay to reduce blood loss until the victim is hospitalized

External bleeding First Aid Management

1. Have patient lie down flat. 2. Place sterile gauze pad, sanitary napkin, clean handkerchief (or in the absence of these, any immediately available materials such as heavy paper or leaves) directly over the open wound. 3. If the bleeding is in the arm, leg, or head, elevate it above the level of the heart by the use of pillows, rolled-up blankets, newspapers, or other improvised props.

 4.

By the force of gravity, blood loss is reduced if at the same time that affected part is elevated, direct pressure is continued. 5. Apply direct, firm pressure (with your fingers or hand) over the wound; continue pressure 5 to 15 minutes. 6. If bleeding does not stop with prolonged direct pressure, and the wound is in the arm or the leg, apply a tourniquet for 10-15 minutes. Release to see if bleeding has stopped.If not, reapply tourniquet and transport patient to nearest doctor.

 7.

Do NOT apply a tourniquet until you have first tried pressure upon arteries supplying the arm and leg. This will often stop the bleeding and make the use of a tourniquet unnecessary. (These pressure points are located on the inner side of the upper arm and just below the groin.) 8. Most bleeding, unless from a major vessel, will stop within few minutes. Clean wound thoroughly with plain soap and water. If bleeding is too active, apply a tourniquet for 10 minutes in order to thoroughly cleanse the wound.

 9.

Bandage to stop bleeding should NOT be applied too tightly that it will interfere with the circulation. If the patient feels it is too tight, or if the tissue below the bandage turns blue in color, cut the bandage down the middle and apply new bandage material more loosely over the original bandage. 10. Take patient to doctor for possible further cleansing and stitching of the wound. Warning: Use tourniquet only as a last resort, if bleeding cannot be stopped and the situation is life-threatening

Internal Bleeding
Internal

Bleeding occurs when there is a rupture of either an artery, vein or capillaries within the body. Sometimes the bleeding is visible and other times not. Concealed Bleeding is more difficult to recognize than visible bleeding therefore if you are unsure it is better to treat the person as if they are losing blood internally.

observations that may indicate internal blood loss and a shock response , which include:

Skin

appearance Conscious state Pulse Respiration

Internal Bleeding First Aid Management

Call

or get someone to call emergency services. Dont wait to see if the person improves or deteriorates. If available put synthetic gloves on as bleeding may become apparent. Check airway, breathing and circulation. Begin cardio pulmonary resuscitation if necessary.

 If

unconscious and breathing place the person in the recovery position and with legs higher than the heart if possible. Injuries permitting. If conscious lie the casualty down and raise or bend legs if injuries permit. Keep casualty warm. This may help delay the onset of shock by minimising the bodies heat loss.

 Reassure

and stay calm. This helps provide security for the injured person. Continue to check pulse and breathing. Treat other injuries as appropriate. Do not give anything to eat or drink as they may require surgery to stop the bleeding.

NOTE: If surgery is needed it is best that the person not consumed anything for minimum of 6 hours prior to having anaesthetic. The reason for this is if the stomach has contents in it they can exit the stomach and be inhaled into the lungs or remain in the throat and cause difficulty breathing during the operation. Neither the patient nor the medical staff need this complication during surgery.