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.