BLEEDING
Bleeding is the loss of blood from the blood vessels. Severe or continued bleeding can lead to death. You as a first aider must control the bleeding. Blood consists of red and white cells, platelets that assist with clotting, and plasma, which is the fluid component of blood. The blood is circulated around the body by our heart, which is under constant pressure.
Common Bleeding Emergencies
- Internal Bleeding
- External Bleeding
- Abrasions – Abrasions occur as a result of a fall onto a hard surface, creating a grazing injury to the skin. Dirt may become embedded in the wound.
- Lacerations – A laceration is a large cut or a tear to the skin, which will need to be seen by a doctor, especially if a Tetanus booster or stitching is required.
- Embedded Objects – Fish hooks, sticks, steel, shards of glass or timber.
- Crater Wounds – These occur when large pieces of tissue are torn away from the body. Severe bleeding and shock can occur.
- Bleeding Nose
- Bleeding Scalp
- Bleeding from Varicose Veins
- Amputation
- Lost Teeth – Caused by falls and hard blows .
Things to Remember
- An adults body contains 6 litres of blood – an adult can lose 1⁄2 litre of blood without harm.
- A child’s body contains 2 1⁄2 litres of blood.
- An infant’s body contains 750mls of blood. A loss of 300mls can cause death.
- BLEEDING CAN CAUSE SHOCK AND DEATH. ACT IMMEDIATELY!