Bleeding

A bleed can be life-threatening. If we lose too much blood our vital organs will not get the oxygenated blood required and our body shuts down going into shock.

What colour is a bleed from an artery?

This is bright red and spurts out as the heart pumps.

Someone is bleeding and going pale, cold and clammy. What is happening?

The Casualty is going into shock

How can you recognise a bleed from a vein?

The blood is dark red and gushes out.

Types of wound include:

Puncture – Stabbing Wound

Contusion – Bruise

Abrasion – Graze

Laceration – Rip or tear

Incision – Clean cut

Velocity – Bullet or missile

Types of bleed:

Arterial: Bright Red Blood. A wound to a major artery could result in blood ‘spurting’ several metres and blood volume will reduce rapidly.
Venous: Dark Red Blood. A wound to a vein could result in blood ‘gushing’ profusely out of the wound, blood volume will still reduce quickly.
Capillary: Bleeding from capillaries occurs in all wounds and can be described as ‘oozing’

Treatment:

Step 1. Apply direct pressure on the wound
Step 2. Consider Elevating if no further pain
Step 3. Sit or lay the casualty down ( Treat for Shock)
Step 4. Apply an additional dressing if necessary
Step 5. Call 999/112 if bleeding is severe, casualty shows signs of shock or if in doubt.