Surprising medical emergencies occur all the time, and we are often unprepared to handle them.
There could be hundreds of situations that could call for an emergency kit, you just never know when one might hit you. One such situation that could and does happen all the time is bleeding.
Whether you deal with a minor or a major bleeding situation, you can take steps to stop the bleeding in an emergency and prevent it from getting worse.
If you want to learn how to stop bleeding in emergencies, keep reading!
Apply Direct Pressure
In an emergency circumstance where bleeding is present, direct pressure should be applied to the wound to stop the bleeding. It is important to assess the wound with gloves to avoid contact with bodily fluids. If there is any embedded object in the wound, do not remove it.
Any clothing or fabric surrounding the wound can also be used to apply pressure on the wound. It is important to apply pressure firmly with a clean cloth or bandage and keep it on for at least 15 minutes without checking the wound. You may also learn more ways to handle this correctly.
Adjust Position or Elevation
In some cases, the patient may be sitting or lying down and pressure might not be enough to stop the bleeding. It is important to adjust the patient’s position or elevation in such situations to help the bleeding slow down.
If the patient is lying down, you can raise the injured area for about 15 minutes to increase the pressure at the wound site and slow the bleeding. If the patient is seated, change their position from sitting to reclining or standing.
Do a Tourniquet
You will need a bandage at least 2-3 inches wide, preferably cloth, and a sharp object capable of making a tight knot. Using pressure points to reduce blood flow, raise the injured area and wrap the bandage, starting one to two inches above the wound.
Tie the ends in a half knot and create a tourniquet by inserting the sharp object and using it to turn the bandage clockwise. Once the tourniquet is applied, finish the knot, making sure it is tight. Slip the tourniquet under the bandage and fix it in place with a safety pin.
Check the wound and the tourniquet for any further bleeding. If bleeding persists, re-tighten the tourniquet until the bleeding stops. Measure the time it has been in place and make note of it; the tourniquet should not be worn for longer than two hours.
Consider Stitching
If there is severe bleeding, stitching the wound up to help control the bleeding is usually the next step. Preparing the wound and thread, such as by disinfecting to avoid infection, is important.
After this, the thread should be inserted into the wound and used to close it. There may also be requirements such as draining the wound or potentially using topical antiseptic or other treatments. If done correctly, stitching can help to close the wound and stop the bleeding, allowing it time to heal.
Learn How to Stop the Bleeding in Emergencies
In conclusion, learning how to stop the bleeding in an emergency is a vital skill for everyone. It’s simple and can even save lives. Everyone should learn this skill by taking a lifesaver course or reading health and prevention books.
Don’t miss out on the chance to be prepared for any unforeseen medical situation.
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