$Unique_ID{PAR00283}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Emergency First Aid:  BLEEDING, External}
$Subtitle{}
$Author{
Editors of Consumer Guide
Siegfried, Donna M}
$Subject{External BLEEDING bleed bleeds injury injuries scrape scrapes cut
cuts puncture punctures wound wounds amputations IMPALED OBJECTS skin severed
body parts AMPUTATION blood pain}
$Log{
Step 2*0028301.tif
Pressure Points*0028302.tif
Step 3*0028303.tif
Step 4*0028304.tif}

The New Parents' Question & Answer Book


BLEEDING, External


CAUSES

     A variety of injuries, including scrapes, cuts, puncture wounds, or
amputations, can cause external bleeding.  For objects impaled in the skin,
see IMPALED OBJECTS (later section).  For severed body parts, see AMPUTATION
(previous section).


SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  -  bleeding
  -  pain


EMERGENCY TREATMENT

Major Wounds:

1. SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR:
   a) severe bleeding
   b) cuts that are more than skin deep
   c) cuts with ragged edges
   d) cuts with deeply embedded dirt or objects
   e) impaled objects (see IMPALED OBJECTS (later section))
   f) amputations (see AMPUTATION (previous section))
   CALL 911 or operator, or transport child to emergency room.

Until Medical Assistance is Available:

2. Control bleeding by direct pressure and, if no broken bone suspected,
   elevation:
   a) Cover wound with sterile dressing, clean cloth, handkerchief, or
      sanitary napkin.
   b) Place your hand over dressing, and press firmly.
   c) Continue pressure until bleeding stops.
   d) DO NOT remove dressing.  If soaked through, add more material, and
      continue pressure.
   e) If no broken bone suspected, elevate bleeding part higher than level of
      heart.  DO NOT move limb if you think it is broken.

NOTE:  A tourniquet is rarely, if ever, needed to control bleeding.  Bleeding
control efforts should start with direct pressure and elevation.  If
necessary, pressure points (described in step 3) can be used.  Following these
steps can prevent the tissue, blood vessel, and nerve damage that can result
from application of a tourniquet.

3. If bleeding does not slow after 5 minutes of direct pressure, continue
   direct pressure on wound as you push on pressure point between wound and
   heart.  There are 22 pressure points on the body--11 on each side.  The 2
   most commonly used points are the:
   a) Brachial point:  Use your fingers to apply pressure on inner side of
      child's upper arm in groove between muscles.
   b) Femoral point in groin:  Use heel of your hand to apply pressure at
      middle of crease where thigh meets groin.
   Release pressure point as soon as bleeding stops.
4. Once bleeding is under control, secure dressing with bandage.
5. Observe for shock. see SHOCK (later section).

Minor Cuts and Lacerations:

1. Wash wound with soap and water for 5-10 minutes.
2. Control bleeding through direct pressure and elevation:
   a) Cover wound with sterile dressing, clean cloth, handkerchief, or
      sanitary napkin.
   b) Place your hand over dressing, and press firmly.
   c) Continue pressure until bleeding stops.
   d) DO NOT remove dressing if blood-soaked.  Add more material, and continue
      pressure.
   e) Keep injured area elevated.
3. Seek medical attention if signs of infection, such as swelling, redness,
   throbbing pain, sensation of heat, fever, pus, or red streaks, develop.

Minor Scrapes:

1. Gently remove all debris from wound using clean, wet gauze or towel.
2. Wash away from wound with soap and water.
3. If wound continues to ooze, cover with sterile bandage.