ForJodie Project - Family First Aid

68 videos, 3 hours and 50 minutes

Course Content

Serious Bleeding and Bandaging

Video 38 of 68
2 min 53 sec
English
English
Want to watch this video? Sign up for the course or enter your email below to watch one free video.

Unlock This Video Now for FREE

This video is normally available to paying customers.
You may unlock this video for FREE. Enter your email address for instant access AND to receive ongoing updates and special discounts related to this topic.

Controlling Bleeding: First Aid Guidance

Understanding Bleeding

Bleeding Sources: Injuries can lead to bleeding from various body parts, posing a life-threatening and distressing situation for both the patient and the first aider.

Staying Calm and Taking Action

Maintain Composure: When faced with bleeding, remain calm and rely on your training, as it may appear worse than it is.

First Step: Ensure you are wearing gloves, as with all first aid procedures.

Controlling Serious Bleeding

Direct Pressure: The initial approach to control serious bleeding is applying direct pressure. This can be done by the patient or with your gloved hand, which aids in blood clotting.

Pressure Bandage: For cuts, consider using a sterile pressure bandage. Check the dressing's expiry date and, if expired, use it only if no other option is available.

Opening the Dressing: Tear open the packet to access the bandage with a gauze pad. Avoid removing embedded objects from the wound.

Applying the Dressing

Immediate Action: If possible, ask the patient to apply direct pressure with a sterile gauze pad while you put on gloves.

Patient Position: Seat or lay the patient down, minimizing the risk of injury in case of fainting.

Calling for Help: If the bleeding is severe, instruct a bystander to call for an ambulance. If alone, make the call after dressing application.

Proper Dressing Application: Apply the dressing distally (away from the heart) towards the body, maintaining enough pressure to stop bleeding without obstructing circulation.

Leakage: If blood seeps through the first dressing, remove it, assess the wound, and apply a fresh dressing. This indicates a serious bleed requiring immediate medical assistance.

Arm Sling: Once bleeding is stable, immobilize the arm using a sling if applicable.

Circulation Check

Monitoring: After dressing application, check circulation by testing for capillary refill, especially if the dressing is on an arm.

General Bleeding Cases

Body Cuts: Similar procedures apply to any other type of cut. Use a dressing pad for direct pressure or secure it with a bandage if possible.

Addressing Shock

Shock Concern: In cases of serious bleeding, watch for signs of shock. If shock occurs, lay the patient down and elevate their legs if feasible.