Bleeding

When you come across an individual that is bleeding heavily it is important that you carry out a number of procedures:

• Firstly, ensure that you put on rubber gloves to protect yourself
• Then look at the wound to see how large it is
• Check the wound has nothing in it
• Apply direct pressure to the wound and if the individual is able to apply pressure then encourage them to do so
• If they are unable to do it themselves then apply pressure with a sterile dressing or piece of clean cloth using your fingers first of all and if you have to with your hand
• By applying this pressure it allows the blood to clot and stems the blood flow from the cut
• The sterile dressing or whatever you are using should be held in place with a bandage or if you do not have one a scarf or tie will do
• You must then ensure that you elevate the wound.
• If the injury is on the arm or leg then raise the wound above the level of the heart
• By doing this it means that it is harder for the blood to pump upwards and also reduce the amount of blood loss from the body
• Keep reassuring the individual as they will be in shock and keep the warm and rested