First aid: managing internal haemorrhage effectively

In the event of internal haemorrhage, quick action can save lives. Knowing how to identify the warning signs and apply first aid correctly is crucial. This article details the essential actions to take in the event of suspected internal haemorrhage, a skill that is indispensable in everyday life and in emergency situations. Let’s equip ourselves with the knowledge and preparation needed to deal with these critical medical situations.

Identifying the signs of internal bleeding

An internal haemorrhage is particularly dangerous because it can develop silently without any obvious external signs. Symptoms vary depending on the location of the bleed, but several indicators should raise a red flag:

• Acute, intense and unexplained pain, often localised (abdomen, chest, head).
• Extreme pallor and cold sweat, signs of hypovolaemic shock.
• Intense thirst and extreme fatigue, due to loss of blood volume.
• Fast, weak pulse accompanied by vertigo or mental confusion.
• Swelling or rigidity of the abdomen, which may indicate intra-abdominal bleeding.

Rapid detection of these signs is essential in order to immediately call emergency services (144) and stabilise the victim while awaiting their intervention.

First steps in case of suspicion

If there are signs of internal haemorrhage, it is essential to act quickly and carefully to avoid aggravating the situation.

1. Positioning the victim correctly:
   • Place the person in a recumbent position with the legs slightly elevated to encourage venous return and maintain blood flow to the vital organs.
   • If the victim complains of abdominal or chest pain, leave them in the most comfortable position possible, even if this means keeping their legs flat.
2. Limiting movement:
   • Do not move the victim except in the event of immediate danger (fire, collapse). Sudden movements can aggravate internal bleeding.
3. Do not administer anything orally :
   • Don’t offer water, food or medication. This could complicate any surgery or cause vomiting, which would worsen the victim’s condition.
4. Preventing hypothermia:
   • Cover the victim with a blanket or clothing to maintain their body temperature. A loss of heat can accelerate the state of shock.
5. Monitoring vital signs:
   • Regularly check breathing, pulse and state of consciousness. Be alert to any deterioration in his condition.
6. Alerter emergency services without delay:
   • Immediately call 144 (the emergency number in Switzerland) and give precise information: location, condition of the victim, signs observed, circumstances of the accident.

While waiting for help, remain calm and reassure the victim. Your composure and vigilance are essential to limit complications.

Emergency services mobilisation

It is imperative that you call for help immediately. Give clear and precise details of the person’s condition, the symptoms observed and any known medical history that may be relevant. In Switzerland, the number to call is 144. Stay on the phone until you receive specific instructions or until help arrives. Your role is to remain calm and provide constant support to the victim while waiting for professional help.

Training and preparation

Training in first aid, including the recognition and management of internal bleeding, is essential. These skills form part of the training programmes IAS 1 and IAS 2 and are crucial for anyone likely to respond to medical emergencies. Although these skills are not covered in the BLS AED SRC training programme, they are fundamental for those looking to extend their ability to help in times of need.

Epilogue: the importance of first aid education

Learning and practising lifesaving techniques are powerful tools for making our community safer. Recognising internal bleeding and knowing how to react appropriately are not just medical skills – they are acts of foresight and shared responsibility. Let’s all encourage each other to acquire and regularly review these vital skills.

To develop these skills further, discover our specialised training courses:

• BLS AED training in Geneva
• BLS AED SRC in Lausanne
• Full BLS AED SRC course in Fribourg