Bleeding and Wounds

External Bleeding (1 of 2)

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

External Bleeding (2 of 2)

• Open wounds1.) Abrasion

2.) Laceration

3.) Incision

4.) Puncture

5.) Avulsion

6.)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