Bleeding may originate from arteries or veins. From the shape of the bleeding or the color of the blood, it can be understood from which type of vessel the bleeding originates. Knowing this is important for rapid intervention. Hemorrhages originating from the arteries are staccato and spurting, and are light-colored.

First aid for bleeding 

Bleeding; It is the disruption of the integrity of the vessel and the outflow of blood by means of an accident, impact or a sharp instrument.

Blood can flow out of the body from wounds (external bleeding), bleeding into the body (internal bleeding), or bleeding from natural openings (ear, nose, mouth, anus, genitals, etc.).

Bleeding may originate from arteries or veins. From the shape of the bleeding or the color of the blood, it can be understood from which type of vessel the bleeding originates. Knowing this is important for rapid intervention. Hemorrhages originating from the arteries are staccato and spurting, and are light-colored. Because arterial bleeding can cause greater blood loss, it should be treated quickly. Venous hemorrhages are oozing and dark in color. Capillary bleeding occurs in the form of bubbles.



Any intervention to the bleeding site is very important. Bleeding, especially originating from medium or large arteries and causing a lot of blood loss, can reach life-threatening levels within the time elapsed until the healthcare professional arrives or applies to a healthcare facility. There are people who die from bleeding when their life could be saved with a simple tampon. Sometimes, as in hip bone fractures, vascular cuts can cause serious internal bleeding.

Therefore, it is necessary to intervene in the bleeding calmly and consciously. Any means of intervention to the bleeding site should be clean. Intervention in a simple bleeding with a tool that has touched the ground may result in tetanus, a more serious and life-threatening condition. Dirty hands, rusty tools, unclean cloths can be a source of infection. If available, gloves should be worn and a bandage should be used. For this reason, it is important to have sterile first aid kits in vehicles, homes, schools and workplaces.

First aid for external bleeding: 

  • The patient/injured is placed on his back and his vital signs are evaluated. If necessary, respiratory support is provided and the airway is kept open.
  • The bleeding site is pressed with a clean piece of cloth or gauze, if the bleeding does not stop, the second cloth is placed on the first cloth to increase the pressure. If necessary, pressure is applied by wrapping the cloths with a bandage.
  • Pressure is applied to the pressure point closest to the bleeding site.

Pressure points:

Neck : Neck artery (carotid artery)

Above the collarbone : Arm artery

Armpit: Arm artery

Upper arm : Arm artery

Inguinal : Leg artery

Thigh: Limb artery

  • If the bleeding site is on the arms and legs, the blood flow is tried to be reduced by raising it above the heart level.
  • If the bleeding area is large and bleeding is excessive, a tourniquet is applied.
  • Urgent medical attention is requested.

Turnstile application: 

  • The bandage is folded in half lengthwise into a strip and wrapped around the limb. One end of the ribbon is passed through the ring formed in the middle and the two ends are brought together and tied tightly.
  • A hard object such as a pencil is passed through the bandage and placed parallel to the limb. It is rotated until the bleeding stops. Then the band is fixed to the limb so that it does not come loose.
  • The tourniquet is loosened every 15-20 minutes to ensure blood flow.

limb rupture: 

  • The broken piece is placed in a clean, waterproof, sealed plastic bag.
  • It is placed in a second bag filled with ice inside the bag.
  • It is delivered to the health institution within 6 hours.

First aid for internal bleeding: 

  • The patient’s vital signs are evaluated. The patency of the airway is ensured. If necessary, respiratory support is applied. The vascular access is kept open.
  • The patient is covered and the feet are raised 30 cm.
  • No food or drink is given to the patient.
  • It cannot be moved.
  • Urgent medical attention is requested.

Triangle bandage application: 

In some bleedings, triangular bandage is applied. It is a triangular hanging process with the help of a cloth, with the top up and the base down. A wide bandage is used. It can be applied in different parts of the body.

Hand: The hand is placed on the triangle wrapper with the fingers on the top of the triangle. The top of the triangle folds towards the wrist. On the back of the hand, the ends of the triangle are brought together and crossed, knotted at the level of the wrist.

Foot: The foot is placed flat on the triangle with the toes pointing at the top of the triangle. The triangle is brought forward to cross the top of the bandage over the foot. Both ends are knotted around the ankle.

Knee: The base of the triangle is placed 3-4 fingers below the knee and the tip is above the knee. The ends are crossed behind the knee, the ends are knotted above the knee.

Bust: The top of the triangle is placed on the shoulder and the base is knotted in the back so that it hugs the chest. This knot and the top of the triangle are tied together using another piece of cloth.

Hip: The base of the triangle is tied around the lower part of the thigh, while the top is tied to a belt or cloth that wraps around the waist.

 


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