When someone is bleeding heavily, it is a life-threatening emergency because severe blood loss can lead to shock and death. Immediate, firm action is required.
Step 1: Call for Help
-
Dial emergency services immediately (e.g., 911 in the US, 999 in the UK, 112 in the EU, 911/199 in Jordan).
-
Stay calm and describe the situation clearly.
Step 2: Protect Yourself
-
If possible, wear disposable gloves to prevent infection.
-
If no gloves are available, use a clean cloth, plastic bag, or clothing as a barrier.
Step 3: Control the Bleeding
-
Apply direct pressure
-
Use a clean cloth, bandage, or even your hand if nothing else is available.
-
Press firmly on the wound without stopping to check too often.
-
-
Do not remove objects stuck in the wound
-
If something (like glass or metal) is embedded, do not pull it out.
-
Instead, apply pressure around it.
-
-
Use a bandage or cloth to maintain pressure
-
Wrap firmly to keep pressure on the wound, but not so tight that it cuts off circulation to the entire limb.
-
-
If bleeding continues, apply more dressings
-
Do not remove soaked bandages—place new ones on top.
-
Step 4: Position and Support
-
Raise the injured limb above heart level if possible, unless it causes more pain or you suspect a broken bone.
-
Keep the person lying down and as still as possible to reduce blood flow and prevent shock.
Step 5: Prevent Shock
-
Lay the person flat, and if safe, raise their legs about 12 inches.
-
Keep them warm and calm by covering with a blanket or coat.
-
Reassure them constantly until help arrives.
Step 6: Tourniquet Use (Last Resort)
-
Only if the bleeding is life-threatening and cannot be controlled by pressure.
-
Place the tourniquet 2–3 inches above the wound (never on a joint).
-
Note the time it was applied and inform emergency responders.
Do Not
-
Do not give food or drink (risk of surgery/aspiration).
-
Do not remove deep dressings once applied.
-
Do not try to “clean” a major wound—controlling bleeding takes priority.
No comments:
Post a Comment