Bleeding is usually minor in nature but can sometimes impose serious threat if a large vein or artery has been injured. External Bleeding Amputation
Crush injury Nose Bleed Abrasion (Graze)
Punture wound Internal Bleeding Background However, bleeding may be severe and life threatening if a large vein or artery has been injured – e.g. the jugular vein in the neck. Some wounds are associated with other injuries beneath the skin – e.g. an organ injured by a stabbing; broken bones which have pierced the skin. Symptoms and signs – Not all may be present
External bleeding How you can help 1. Apply direct pressure to the bleeding wound
Apply direct pressure to the bleeding wound 2. Raise the injured area
Try to avoid any direct contact with the patient’s blood or other body fluids. Use disposable gloves if possible. If gloves are not available, place your hands inside a plastic bag.
Raise the injured area 3. If a foreign body is embedded in the wound
DO NOT remove the foreign object, but apply padding on either side. 4. Keep the patient at total rest
5. Seek medical assistance
If the injury is severe or the patient is very unwell – call 111 for an ambulance as soon as possible. While waiting for an ambulance to arrive, observe the patient closely for any change in condition. 6. If blood leaks through the pressure pad and bandage
If blood leaks through the pressure pad and bandage Wounds that need special careAmputationHow you can help Call 111 for an ambulance. 1. Control any bleeding
Control any bleeding 2. Recover the severed part
Recover the severed part Crush injuryBackground A crush injury occurs from compression of large muscle groups and soft tissues by a heavy weight. The most serious sites for a crush injury to occur are the head, neck, chest, abdomen and thigh. How you can help Call 111 for an ambulance. 1. Remove the crushing force
2. Treat the patient’s injuries
Nose bleedBackground A blow to the nose, flying at high altitude, or scuba diving may all cause a bleeding nose. For a child, always check whether there is a foreign body present – e.g. a bead or coin. If this has occurred, seek prompt medical advice and DO NOT try to remove the object yourself because this may cause further damage. If bleeding is due to a head injury – e.g. a fracturedskull – call 111 for an ambulance urgently. How you can help 1. Apply firm pressure, elevation and rest
Apply firm pressure, elevation and rest If bleeding continues after 20 minutes ofpressure, continue the pressure and call foran ambulance. A cold compress can be used. 2. Once the bleeding has stopped
Other woundsAn abrasion (graze)How you can help
An abrasion (graze) A puncture woundHow you can help
Contact a local doctor for advice about tetanus immunisation. A puncture wound Internal bleedingBackground Internal bleeding is often difficult for the first aider to recognise. This type of bleeding can occur without an obvious wound and can be very serious as it is difficult to stop without surgical intervention. Internal bleeding occurs when blood vessels within the body are ruptured and blood escapes out of the circulatory system. It may follow such incidents as a blow to the head, chest, or abdomen due to a fall or being struck by a vehicle. Internal bleeding should be suspected when blood is seen in vomit, urine, sputum or faeces. Symptoms and signs – Not all may be present
How you can help
Call 111 for an ambulance.
Have the information on hand when you need it the most. Learn the practical skills to help save a life. What should you do if you are exposed to a patient's blood it is important to follow the acronym?If exposed to patient's blood, WIN. Wash the exposed area immediately. Identify the exposure source. Notify your supervisor.
What should you do if you are exposed to a patient's blood?Wash the site of the needlestick or cut with soap and water. Flush splashes to the nose, mouth, or skin with water. Irrigate eyes with clean water, saline, or sterile irrigants. Report the incident to your supervisor or the person in your practice responsible for managing exposures.
What is the first thing you should do if you have direct exposure to blood or Opim?If you experience a needlestick, a sharps injury (non- needle), or are directly exposed to blood or OPIM at work: wash, flush or irrigate the areas of exposure thoroughly – these can include needlesticks and cuts by other sharps to your skin, and splashes of contaminated fluids to mucous membranes such as eyes, nose ...
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