First aid for bleeding

Severe and uncontrolled bleeding can lead to unconsciousness, shock and eventually death. Arterial blood is bright red and escapes in spurts; venous blood is darker, and flows slowly. If the blood is coming from an artery, it may spurt and flow too quickly for the blood to clot. The first step is to control bleeding either through direct pressure or through nearby pressure points atleast for 10 minutes.

If the part of the body is accidentally severed, control bleeding from the wound as much as possible. Immediately place the ampulated part in a bag and place it in anoher bag filled with ice. Take the victim and severed part to an emergency room as soon as possible, so the part can be rejoined.

Bleeding from the wound may be controlled by applying direct pressure in the following steps:

• Place the victim on her back, feet up, if possible, elevate the wounded area so gravity can help slow bleeding.
• Press hard on the wound with a clean pad, holding edgesof the wound together if they are gaping. If there is anything in the wound, exert pressure around, not on, the wound.
• Bind a pad firmly over the wound to maintain pressure.
• Placing pressure on an artery or pulse point directly above a wound if bleeding does not stop with direct pressure.