Did you know that almost 30 million Americans take an aspirin every day? When it comes to treating health issues and diseases, more people are taking blood-thinning medications.
However, those people need to be even more careful when it comes to bleeding because it won’t be easy to stop. You must know how to control bleeding so you can get proper medical attention as fast as possible.
Keep reading to learn what you can do to control bleeding. Get the help you or someone else needs.
Identify the Type of Bleeding
It is essential to understand that there are three types of bleeding. There is arterial bleeding, venous bleeding, and capillary bleeding. After identifying the type of bleeding, you can then apply first aid for bleeding.
Arterial bleeding is the most severe. It shows bright red blood that spurts out in time with the heartbeat. So, get an emergency for arterial bleeding.
Venous bleeding is less severe. You’ll see dark red blood that flows steadily. Capillary bleeding is the least severe. You can identify this by a slow, oozing flow of blood.
Apply Direct Pressure to Control Bleeding
To stop bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound. Use a clean cloth, towel, or bandage and press firmly on the wound. If the cloth or bandage becomes soaked with blood, do not remove it.
Instead, apply another layer on top of it. Removing the cloth or bandage can dislodge any clots that have formed and restart the bleeding. The pressure applied to the wound helps to reduce blood flow and promote clotting.
Elevate the Affected Limb
If direct pressure does not stop the bleeding, elevate the affected limb above the heart level. This will help to reduce blood pressure in the affected areas and slow down the bleeding. It is important to keep the limb elevated until the bleeding stops.
Apply Pressure to the Artery
In cases of arterial bleeding, where direct pressure and elevation do not work, apply pressure to the artery between the wound and the heart.
For example, if the bleeding is in the arm, apply pressure to the brachial artery. This is located in the inner part of the upper arm. This will help to reduce the blood flow to the wound and slow down the bleeding.
Use a Tourniquet Device
If the bleeding is severe and using the above methods cannot control it, apply a tourniquet. It is important to note that a tourniquet should only be a last resort. Use it with caution as it can cause tissue damage and even loss of a limb if left in place for too long.
To use a tourniquet, wrap a wide band around the limb, about two inches above the wound. Tie a knot and place a stick or other object on top of the knot. Twist the stick until the bleeding stops.
It is essential to note the time you applied the tourniquet. Then, seek medical attention immediately.
Learn the Importance of First Aid Training
Learning to control bleeding in emergencies is a crucial life-saving skill. Remember to apply direct pressure to the wound.
It is important to remember that first aid training can give you the knowledge and skills required to deal with emergencies effectively.
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