Bleeding

Internal

Bleeding is most likely to occur in the stomach, lungs, or bowels. Blood from the lungs is coughed up; from the stomach vomited; from the bowels it appears in the stools.   With internal bleeding, signs of restlessness, weakness, pallor, thirst and a faint, rapid pulse are usually present.

 

In an accident where internal bleeding may have occurred, contact a doctor as soon as possible.  While you wait, keep the patient quiet, comfortably warm, and lying flat.  Give him nothing to drink—not even water.  When moving injured person to advanced medical facilities, only transport (if possible) in a laying position.

 

External

Place a pressure dressing (several layers of sterile gauze) over the wound.  Secure it in place firmly enough to stop the bleeding or hold it in place with firm hand pressure.  Whenever possible, elevate the wound.

 

If no sterile bandages are available, use a thick pad of the cleanest cloth on hand.  Sheets, towels, handker­chiefs or other freshly laundered clothing can be used if nothing better is available.  In a serious emergency, when severe bleeding is encountered, do not hesitate to apply direct pressure with your bare hand, unless better methods are available.

 


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