Severe Bleeding

>> Overview

• Severe bleeding involves loss of large amount of blood 
• This may occur externally through natural openings, like mouth 
• A cut on the skin too can lead to bleeding 
• Internalbleedingoccurs due to an injury to blood vessel 

  >> Causes

• Accidents/Falls 
• Blow to the head 
• Injuries, like scalp wounds 
• Tooth Extraction 
• Certain medications 
• Illnesses like
  a.Hemophilia
  b. Scurvy
  c. Cancer
  d.Thrombocytopenia
  e. A plastic Anemia
  f.  Leukemia
  g. Hemorrhage
  h.PepticUlcer
  i.  Platelet Disorder
  j. LiverDisease
  k. Septicemia

   >>Symptoms

• Discharge of blood from a wound 
• Bruising 
• Blood instool/urine 
• Blood coming from other areas, like mouth/ear 

   >>Treatment

• Wash hands well before administering to patient 
• Wear synthetic gloves 
• Make the victim lie down 
• Slightly elevate the legs 
• If possible keep the affected area elevated 
• Remove any obvious debris/particle 
• Apply direct pressure using clean cloth/bandage 
• Use hand if cloth is not available 
• Apply pressure continuously for at least 20 minutes 
• Do not remove the cloth to check the bleeding 
• Hold the bandage in place using an adhesive tape 
• If bleeding seeps through bandage, do not remove it 
• Add extra bandage on top of the first one 
• Apply direct pressure on the artery if necessary 
• The pressure points for arm--below arm- pit/above elbow 
• For leg--behind knee/near groin 
• Squeeze the artery keeping finger flat 
• Continue applying pressure on the wound 
• Once bleeding stops immobilize the affected part 
• See a doctor 

 >>  Consult a doctor

• If bleeding does not stop 
• If bleeding occurs through nose, ears etc 
• Coughing up blood 
• Vomiting 
• Bruising/deep wounds 
• Abdominaltenderness 
• Fracture 
• Shock 

  >> Steps To Avoid

• Do not try to replace a displaced organ 
• Just cover the wound with a clean cloth 
• Do not try to remove an embedded object