First aid for bleeding (internal and external)

2023 Author: Benjamin Dyson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 01:37

In the case of external bleeding, it is important to avoid excessive blood flow and, for this, it is recommended that a tourniquet or tourniquet be performed and, when this is not possible, place a clean cloth over the lesion and apply pressure until medical assistance arrives at the scene.

In the case of internal bleeding, it is important that first aid be given quickly to avoid worsening the person's clinical condition.

Bleeding can be caused by several factors that must be identified later, but it is vital that it is controlled to ensure the victim's immediate well-being until professional emergency medical help arrives.

Bleeding first aid

The first thing to do is to check the type of bleeding, whether internal or external, and thus start first aid. Learn how to identify each type of hemorrhage.

1. Internal bleeding

In the case of internal bleeding, in which no blood is seen, but there are some suggestive symptoms, such as thirst, progressively faster and weaker pulse and changes in consciousness, it is recommended:

1. Check the person's state of consciousness, calm them down and keep them awake;
2. Unfasten the person's clothing;
3. Leave the victim warm, as it is normal for internal bleeding to feel cold and shivering;
4. Place the person in a safe lateral position.

After these attitudes, it is recommended to call for medical assistance and remain by the person's side until rescued. In addition, it is recommended not to give food or drinks to the victim, as they may choke or vomit, for example.

2. External bleeding

In these cases, it is important to identify the bleeding site, put on gloves, call medical assistance and start the first aid procedure:

1. Lay the person down and place a sterile compress or a clean cloth on the bleeding site, exerting pressure;
2. If the cloth is very full of blood, it is recommended that more cloths be placed and not removed;
3. Put pressure on the wound for at least 10 minutes.

It is recommended that a tourniquet is also made, which aims to reduce the flow of blood to the wound region, reducing hemorrhage. The tourniquet can be made of rubber or made improvised with a cloth, for example, and should be placed a few centimeters above the lesion.

Furthermore, if the injury is located in the arm or leg, it is recommended to keep the limb elevated to decrease blood flow. If it is located in the abdomen and it is not possible to perform a tourniquet, it is recommended to place a clean cloth on the lesion and apply pressure.

It is important not to remove the object that may be stuck in the bleeding site, and it is not recommended to wash the wound or give the person something to eat or drink.