Heavy bleeding, also known as hemorrhaging, can be a life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical attention. It can occur from a variety of causes, including traumatic injuries, accidents, surgery, or medical conditions. The loss of blood from the body can rapidly lead to shock, organ failure, or death if not managed correctly and quickly. Knowing how to handle heavy bleeding can be a critical life-saving skill.
Here’s a guide on how to deal with heavy bleeding and take appropriate steps until emergency help arrives.
Signs of Heavy Bleeding
Heavy bleeding is usually easy to spot. Some key signs include:
- Persistent bleeding: Blood continues to flow despite attempts to stop it.
- Large amounts of blood loss: More than a few tablespoons of blood in a short time.
- Visible wound or injury: Bleeding from a cut, tear, gunshot wound, or puncture.
- Blood pooling: A puddle of blood on the ground, indicating significant blood loss.
- Rapid pulse, weak or faint feeling: As the body loses blood, the person may feel weak, dizzy, or faint.
- Paleness or bluish skin: Severe blood loss may cause a person’s skin to turn pale or blue.
- Confusion or loss of consciousness: In severe cases, the person may appear disoriented or pass out.
Immediate Emergency Treatment for Heavy Bleeding
The most critical factor in dealing with heavy bleeding is controlling the blood flow quickly to prevent further blood loss. Here’s what to do:
1. Call for Help (911 or Local Emergency Number)
If the bleeding is severe, the first step is to call emergency services. You can provide vital information to help responders arrive promptly with the necessary equipment and support. While waiting for emergency help to arrive, take the following steps to control the bleeding.
2. Protect Yourself
If the bleeding victim has an open wound, particularly from trauma or an injury, protect yourself by using gloves (if available). You may also want to use a clean cloth or bandage to reduce direct contact with blood and minimize the risk of infection.
3. Apply Direct Pressure to the Wound
The most effective and immediate way to control bleeding is by applying direct pressure to the wound:
- Use a clean cloth or sterile dressing: If available, use a sterile bandage, cloth, or even a clean shirt. If you don’t have a sterile dressing, use whatever you have at hand (towel, napkin, etc.).
- Apply firm pressure: Press the cloth or dressing directly onto the bleeding site. Use your hands to apply firm pressure.
- Don’t lift the cloth: Avoid lifting the cloth or dressing to check the bleeding, as it may disrupt the clotting process and cause the bleeding to resume. Instead, leave it in place and continue to apply pressure.
4. Elevate the Injury (If Applicable)
If the injury is to a limb and there are no fractures or other complications:
- Raise the injured limb above the level of the heart: Elevating the limb helps reduce blood flow to the area, potentially slowing the bleeding.
- Avoid moving the person unnecessarily: If the injury is serious, such as from a head wound or chest trauma, avoid moving the person unless necessary.
5. Apply a Pressure Bandage (If Needed)
Once you have applied pressure and the bleeding is partially controlled, secure the cloth or dressing in place with a bandage. The bandage should be snug but not tight enough to cut off circulation. The goal is to maintain constant pressure on the wound without completely restricting blood flow to the area.
6. Use a Tourniquet (If Direct Pressure Fails or for Severe Limb Bleeding)
A tourniquet should only be used for severe bleeding from a limb that is life-threatening and uncontrollable by direct pressure. It is a last resort.
- How to apply a tourniquet:
- Tie a strong cloth or bandage above the wound (between the wound and the heart) to create pressure and stop blood flow.
- Use a stick, pen, or similar object to twist the cloth and tighten the tourniquet.
- Do not loosen the tourniquet once applied, as this could cause the bleeding to resume.
- Note the time: Record the time you applied the tourniquet to inform medical professionals, as tourniquets should not be left on for extended periods.
7. Keep the Person Warm and Comfortable
While waiting for medical help:
- Cover the person with a blanket: Preventing shock is crucial, so keep the person warm to help maintain blood circulation.
- Have the person lie down: This helps improve blood flow to the brain and heart, especially if they are showing signs of faintness or dizziness.
8. Monitor for Shock
Severe blood loss can lead to shock, a condition where the body’s organs are deprived of oxygen due to a lack of circulating blood. Symptoms of shock include:
- Rapid breathing or shallow breath.
- Weak, rapid pulse.
- Cold, clammy skin.
- Confusion or dizziness.
- Blue or pale skin.
If you suspect shock:
- Keep the person lying flat with their legs elevated slightly (about 12 inches) unless there are injuries preventing this.
- Encourage calm breathing: Remind the person to breathe deeply and stay calm.
- Do not give the person food or drink, as they may need surgery or other treatments.
9. If the Bleeding Stops, Don’t Remove the Dressing
If the bleeding has stopped or slowed down but the dressing has become soaked, do not remove the dressing. Instead, add more layers on top. Removing the dressing could disrupt any blood clots that have started to form, causing the bleeding to start again.
Special Considerations
For Head, Neck, or Torso Bleeding
If the bleeding is coming from the head, neck, or torso, these areas require extra caution:
- Do not apply pressure directly to the neck if there is a risk of a spinal injury.
- For torso injuries, avoid applying direct pressure on the chest or abdomen if internal injuries are suspected, especially in cases of severe trauma.
For Bleeding from the Mouth or Nose
If the bleeding is coming from the mouth or nose:
- Sit the person up: Keep their head elevated to prevent blood from flowing down the throat.
- Pinch the nostrils if the bleeding is from the nose.
- Spit out blood: Encourage the person to spit out any blood they may be swallowing, as this can cause nausea or choking.
Conclusion
Dealing with heavy bleeding requires prompt, calm, and decisive action. Applying direct pressure to the wound, using a tourniquet if necessary, and preventing shock are all essential steps to take. The priority is to stop the bleeding and keep the person stable until emergency medical professionals arrive.
By staying calm, following these steps, and knowing when to seek help, you can make a significant difference in the person’s chances of survival. Always remember that heavy bleeding is a serious emergency, and the faster you can act, the better the outcome.