Bleeding

Severe bleeding may be a result of an accident at home, vehicle accident or a trauma at work. Loss of blood can be fatal, without adequate blood, our bodies cannot function. Any mechanism that causes severe bleeding, may also result in other underlying injuries. A deep cut on your finger or hand may stop bleeding and look o.k. but there is the chance you may have damaged nerves or tendons, the sooner you seek medical assistance the better.

Signs and Symptoms

• Any circumstance where loss of blood cannot be controlled would be considered an emergency, and medical assistance should be sought.

WHAT TO DO:

If the patient is unconscious, call triple zero (000) immediately.

Where possible, use gloves when treating a patient with a bleeding injury. Remove any loose clothing to expose the wound. Apply pressure to the wound, the most effective first aid treatment for severe bleeding is pressure. If possible, have the casualty apply direct pressure over the wound. If the patient is unable to apply pressure, do so yourself using clothing, a clean towel, or your hands (gloves if possible).

Lie the casualty down and attempt to raise the wound to a position above the heart, this will help control bleeding. Apply a pad to the wound and bandage firmly, if bleeding continues, apply another pad over the first pad and bandage, then bandage this second pad in place. If bleeding does not stop, reapply second pad and bandage, leaving the first pad and bandage in place. Seek medical assistance and be prepared to treat the patient as you would do for shock. Check the area below the wound for circulation, if hands or feet start turning blue, you may have the bandage too tight.

If there is an object imbedded in the wound, leave it in place (it may be plugging a hole), bandage around the object and seek help immediately.

Only in an extreme case of blood loss, such as a partial limb amputation, would a tourniquet be considered.

For the full copy of the fact sheet, visit link

http://www.stjohnnsw.com.au/guides-bleeding

Our next skill drill will be held September 24, 6:30 at the shed on Grassy Road.

If you are interested in becoming a St John volunteer or, for more information, please email norfolk.island@stjohnnsw.com.au or james.garden@stjohnnsw.com.au