Wounds and Bleeding Abnormal break in the skin or other tissues which allows blood to escape. There are 2 types of wounds, open and close.

TYPES OF WOUND Incised Wound Lacerated Wound Abrasion/Graze Wound Contused Wound Punctured Wound Gunshot Wound

Bleeding Our body’s mechanism to stop bleeding Clotting of blood. Scar tissue Scab Clot White blood cell Skin Fibrin Red blood cell Platelets Clotting of blood. Cut ends of a blood vessel will contract. Blood pressure will drop.

Types of Bleeding Arterial Bleeding Bright Red in Colour Spurts from a wound in time with the heartbeat. Severed main artery may jet blood several feet high. Rapidly reduce the volume of circulating blood. Venus Bleeding Dark Red in Colour Gush profusely. Capillary Bleeding Oozing at the site of all wounds. Blood loss is usually slight.

First-Aid Priorities Control blood loss by applying pressure over the wound and raising the injured part. Take steps to minimise shock, which can result from severe blood loss. Cover any open wound with a dressing, to protect it from infection and promote natural healing. Pay scrupulous attention to hygiene, so that there is no spread of infection between the casualty and yourself. Treatment for minor external bleeding: Direct pressure. Elevation. Small adhesive dressing. Medical aid need only be sought if the bleeding does not stop, or if the wound is at special risk of infection.

Protecting yourself Use disposable gloves Wash hands well in soap and water before and after treatment Cover any sores or open wounds with waterproof adhesive dressing.

Treatment Cleaning of Wound If the wound is dirty, clean it by rinsing lightly under running water, or use an antiseptic wipe. Elevate and Dressing Elevate the wounded part above the level of the heart. Apply adhesive dressing. If there is a special risk of infection, advise to see doctor.

Treatment for Severe External Bleeding Direct Pressure Elevation and Dressing Treat for Shock Removal to Hospital. To expose the wound: Remove or cut clothing to expose the wound. Watch out for sharp objects, such as glass, that may injure you.

Treatment Apply direct pressure Apply direct pressure over the wound with your fingers or palm, preferably over a sterile dressing or clean pad. Elevation and Dressing Raise and support an injured limb above the level of the casualty’s heart. Lay the casualty down. Apply sterile dressing. Bandage it in place firmly, but not so tightly as to impede the circulation.

PRESSURE POINTS REMOVAL TO HOSPITAL If severe bleeding from a limb cannot be controlled by direct pressure, it may be necessary to apply pressure to the pressure points. REMOVAL TO HOSPITAL Dial 995 for an ambulance. Treat for shock. Check the dressing for seepage. Check the circulation beyond the bandage.

Wounds Involving Protruding Objects Press down firmly on either side. Build up padding on either side of the object without pressing on it. Secure and support the injured part with bandaging.

Bruises Internal bleeding seeping through the tissues causes bruises. Treatment Raise and support the injured part in a comfortable position. Apply a cold compress to the bruise.

Abdominal Wounds - Treatment Lay Casualty down on firm flat surface Raise and support the knees, if wound cuts across the abdomen DO NOT raise the knees if the wound is vertical. Cover the wound with a big dressing Lightly secure in place with a bandage or adhesive tape. If the casualty coughs or vomits, press firmly on the dressing. If part of the intestine is protruding, do not touch it, but cover to prevent it from drying out. Call for an ambulance, treat for shock and stay with the casualty and check his condition every few minutes.

Penetrating Chest wound - Treatment Quickly cover the wound with your palm or casualty’s if he is conscious. Place a sterile dressing over the wound and surrounding area. Cover with a plastic bag or foil. Secure firmly with adhesive tape on three sides.

Penetrating Chest Wounds - Treatment Provide firm support for a conscious casualty. Lean casualty towards the injured side. Call 995 for an ambulance. Treat for shock. If casualty is unconscious: Open the airway. Check breathing and pulse. Place him in recovery position with the uninjured side uppermost.

Crush Injuries - Treatment Less than 10 minutes More than 10 minutes Release the casualty as quickly as possible Control and external bleeding and cover any wounds Treat for fracture Treat for shock Call for an ambulance Do not release the casualty. Call for an ambulance. Reassure the casualty.

Amputation - Treatment Remove any accessories Control Blood Loss Do not use tourniquet. Apply sterile dressing or non-fluffy clean pad secured with a bandage. Treat for shock. Call for an Ambulance.

Amputation - Treatment The Amputated Part Wrap the amputated part in plastic bag. Wrap again in gauze or soft fabric. Place the package in another plastic bag filled with crushed ice. Send amputated part together with the casualty to the hospital.

Internal Bleeding Bleeding within the body cavities and is serious. Recognition Pallor Cold, clammy skin A rapid pulse Pain Thirst Confusion, restlessness, irritability, possible leading to collapse and unconsciousness. After violent injury, pattern bruising Bleeding from orifices Information from casualty indicating recent injury or illness, previous similar episode or if he or she takes drugs for a medical condition

Bleeding from Orifices Site Appearance Causes Mouth Bright red, frothy, coughed-up blood Vomited blood, red or dark reddish-brown, resembling coffee grounds Bleeding in Lungs Bleeding within digestive system Ear Fresh, bright red blood Thin, watery blood Injury to the inner or other ear; perforated ear-drum Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid Nose Fresh, bright-red blood Ruptured blood vessel in the nostril. Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid following head injury Anus Black, tarry, offensive-smelling stool Injury to anus or lower bowel Injury to upper bowel Urethra Urine with red-smoky appearance and occasion clots Bleeding from bladder or kidney Vagina Either fresh or dark red blood. Menstruation, miscarriage, disease/injury to vagina or womb