First Aid for internal and external bleeding

Bleeding is one of the major reasons why we apply first aid. Bleeding simply is loss of blood which can either be external or internal. Bleeding externally is visible to the eyes while bleeding internally is not. Bleeding can occur from a cut or wound, fall or basically accidents. Accidents on the other hand are unforeseen events that can lead to injury or loss of life. Bleeding from a wound can be mild. It can also be life threatening especially when the injury is deep. The seriousness of the bleeding, will depend on how deep the wound is, how much bleeding there is, how long it takes to control the bleeding and the type of blood vessels that are damaged. Also, have it at mind that there is always a risk of infection when dealing with any kind of bleeding.


In handling a victim who is bleeding, you need to know the different types of bleeding which are:

•  Abrasion - this simply is the process of scraping or wearing something away. You can refer to it also as a graze caused by foreign object. This can happen to the skin, when the victim crashes against it.
• Excoriation - In common with Abrasion, this is caused by mechanical destruction of the skin, although it usually has an underlying medical cause.
• Laceration - Laceration is usually a deep cut or tear in the skin. They can be caused by blunt impact to soft tissue or tearing such as in childbirth.
• Incision - A clean 'surgical' wound, caused by a sharp object, such as a knife.
• Puncture Wound - Caused by an object penetrated the skin and underlying layers, such as a nail, needle or knife.
• Contusion - Also known as a bruise, this is a blunt trauma damaging tissue under the surface of the skin.
• Gunshot wounds - usually painful, cause by bullet or other projectile that are shot into or through someone's body. They can also be contiguous and should be handled with care.

External bleeding is recognize by the presence of blood on the victim's skin and can be treated using the acronym mnemonic RED.

• Rest: When you approach the victim, let him rest. This is because the less movement the victim does, the easier the healing process will be.
• Elevation: Usually works with the limbs and head of the body. You ask the victim to elevate that part of his body above the heart level. This will help reduce the blood flow to the affected area.
• Direct pressure: Most bleeding usually stop when you apply direct pressure to them. You have to use sterile gauze pad or any other clean cloth available should it be in an emergency.

First Aid Response

As a First Aider, 

• You need to first put on your gloves before approaching the victim.
• While you are wearing your gloves, you scan the area for danger.
• Only approach and help the victim, if the area is safe and would not lead to you being injured as well. The reason for this is, you will be of no use to the victim if you are injured yourself.
• Try to keep the person calm as possible using your communication skills.
• Monitor the person's ABCs and have him lie down and manage for shock if necessary.
• Apply direct pressure to bleeding wounds. If there is an external object, you don't apply pressure. Rather, you press down firmly on both side as well as keeping the injured body part above the level of the heart.

 Controlling External Bleeding

• Put on your hand gloves before you proceed to do anything.
• Place or cover the wound with a sterile dressing or clean cloth in the case of emergency.
• Apply direct pressure until bleeding stops. You can also tie something around the wound just tight enough to control the bleeding.
• If the bleeding does not stop, place another dressing over the first one and continue to apply pressure on the wound.
• You can elevate that part of the body above the level of the heart in other to control the flow of blood to that part of the body should the injured part be the arm, leg or head.
• If you suspect that the bone is broken, don't elevate, until you have applied a splint.
• If it does not stop, apply more pressure and call 911. 
• Wash hands with soap and water after giving care.

Bleeding from the mouth, ears, nose or rectum are all signs of internal bleeding, without thinking twice dial 999 immediately. Internal bleeding are results of accident, gunshot wounds or punctured wounds with excessive thirst, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, restlessness, bruises, heavy breathing, bluish skin, blood in stool, blood in urine, severe headache as signs.

Controlling Internal Bleeding

• Do nut allow the person to eat or drink anything.
• Apply cold pack or ice wrapped up in a cloth to the bruise area. Never place ice directly.
• Call 911 and place the injured area elevated especially when there is no sign for chest injury.
• In case of chest injury, elevate the head and torso. Make sure to keep the person warm.
• Monitor the situation until EMS arrives