Managing Eye Emergencies: Techniques and Procedures
10/06/2024
First aid: effectively managing internal bleeding
10/06/2024In the event of severe bleeding, every second counts. Knowing how to respond quickly and effectively can make the difference between life and death. This article provides detailed instructions on how to manage such a medical emergency. Learn to recognise the signs of severe bleeding and discover the crucial steps to take to stabilise the situation before emergency services arrive.
Recognising severe bleeding
Severe bleeding is characterised by massive and rapid blood loss that can quickly lead to shock or death if it is not controlled. Warning signs include:
- Profuse and continuous bleeding, even after applying pressure.
- Extreme pallor caused by inadequate oxygenation.
- Cold sweats, confusion or dizziness.
- A rapid but weak pulse, indicating the body’s attempt to compensate.
When these symptoms occur, it is essential to act quickly to control the bleeding and alert emergency services.
Ensuring safety and calling emergency services
Your safety is paramount. Make sure that the environment around the casualty presents no additional hazards. Once you are safe, call emergency services immediately by dialling the local emergency number and provide precise information about the casualty’s condition and your location.
Controlling severe bleeding: Advanced bleeding-management techniques
After calling emergency services (144 in Switzerland), it is crucial to act quickly to stop the bleeding and prevent shock.
Preventing shock: Lay the casualty down and cover them with a blanket to maintain their body temperature.
Direct pressure on the wound: Immediately apply firm pressure using a sterile dressing, a clean cloth or even your hand if necessary. Maintain this pressure continuously until emergency services arrive.
Elevating the injured limb: If possible, raise the affected limb above heart level to reduce blood flow.
Using a tourniquet device: If the bleeding continues despite direct pressure and involves a limb, use a tourniquet. Place it approximately 5 cm above the wound (never over a joint). Tighten it gradually until the bleeding stops completely. Note the time it was applied for emergency responders, as a tourniquet should not be left in place for too long.
Applying pressure to pressure points: If no tourniquet is available, apply pressure to the major arteries (the brachial artery for the arm and the femoral artery for the leg) to slow the bleeding.
Preventing shock and monitoring the casualty
While waiting for emergency services, it is essential to prevent shock. Cover the casualty with a blanket to keep them warm. Carefully monitor their vital signs, including consciousness, breathing and pulse. Continue speaking to the casualty to reassure them and monitor their level of consciousness.
Preparing for emergency responders: Ensuring effective care
When emergency responders arrive, it is essential to provide clear and precise information to ensure effective care:
- Describe the actions taken: specify the first-aid measures performed (direct pressure, tourniquet application and the casualty’s position).
- Explain changes in the casualty’s condition: specify whether the casualty was conscious, whether they were breathing or whether their condition deteriorated.
- Share known medical history: allergies, current treatments and any relevant medical conditions.
- Indicate the timing of certain interventions: the time the tourniquet was applied or chest compressions began.
This information enables healthcare professionals to adapt their response quickly.
Essential training
Although this article provides vital information on managing severe bleeding, attending first-aid training, such as the IAS 1 and IAS 2 courses, is strongly recommended to gain an in-depth understanding and practical skills. Please note that these instructions are not part of the BLS-AED-SRC training programme. To find out more, explore the comparison of BLS-AED-SRC, IAS 1 and IAS 2 courses.
To build on these skills, discover our specialist training courses:
