bleeding and wounds - lcps.org · wounds that require medical attention • arterial bleeding •...

Bleeding and Wounds

External Bleeding (1 of 2)

•  Three types – Capillary (oozing) – Venous (flowing) – Arterial (spurting)

External Bleeding (2 of 2)

•  Open wounds – Abrasion – Laceration –  Incision – Puncture – Avulsion – Amputation

Care for Minor External Bleeding

•  Wash with soap and water. •  Flush with water. •  Apply antibiotic ointment. •  Cover wound. •  Seek medical care for wounds

with high likelihood of infection.

Care for Serious External Bleeding (1 of 2)

•  Wear gloves if available.

•  Expose wound. •  Cover with clean

cloth or gauze. •  Apply direct

pressure.

Care for Serious External Bleeding (2 of 2)

•  Apply a pressure bandage.

•  DO NOT remove any blood-soaked dressings.

Wound Infection •  Signs of infection —  Swelling —  Reddening —  Warmth —  Throbbing —  Pus discharge

•  Seek medical care for infected wounds. •  Get tetanus booster shot every 10 years.

Care for Amputations

• Control bleeding. • Care for shock. • Recover

amputated part. •  Keep clean, dry,

cool. •  Transport the part

with the victim.

Care for Impaled Objects

•  Expose area. • Do NOT remove

the object. • Control bleeding

around the object.

•  Stabilize the object.

© E. M. Singletary, M.D. Used with permission.

Wounds That Require Medical Attention

•  Arterial bleeding •  Uncontrolled bleeding •  Deep wounds •  Large or deeply

embedded objects •  Human or animal bite

•  Possibility of noticeable scar

•  Cut eyelid •  Serious internal

bleeding •  Uncertain how to treat •  Requires a tetanus

shot

Internal Bleeding •  Skin is not broken and blood is not seen. •  Recognizing internal bleeding

– Bruising – Painful, tender area – Vomiting or coughing up blood – Black or bright red stool

Care for Minor Internal Bleeding

•  Bruised arm or leg – Apply ice for 20 minutes. – Apply compression for 2 hours. – Elevate if there is no fracture.

Care for Serious Internal Bleeding

•  Call 9-1-1. •  Care for shock. •  If vomiting occurs, roll victim onto

his or her side.

Dressings and Bandages

Dressings Bandages

Dressings •  Functions

– Absorb blood – Prevent infection – Protect the wound

•  Types – Gauze pads – Adhesive strips – Trauma dressings –  Improvised

dressings

Bandages •  Functions

– Hold dressing in place

– Apply pressure to control bleeding

– Prevent or reduce swelling

– Support and stabilize an extremity or joint

•  Types – Gauze roller

bandages – Elastic roller

bandages – Triangular

bandages