RV TRAVEL FIRST AID FOR BLEEDING

Bleeding may be external or internal. First aid is appropriate for external bleeding. Bleeding may be from an artery, a vein, or from a capillary.

ARTERIAL bleeding is characterized by spurts with each beat of the heart. Blood is bright red in colour although blood darkens when it meets the air. It is often severe and hard to control.

VENUS bleeding is characterized by a steady flow and the blood is dark, almost maroon in colour. Venus bleeding is easier to control than Arterial bleeding. CAPILLARY bleeding is usually slow, oozing in nature. There is a higher risk of infection with capillary bleeding.

Minor bleeding can be stopped with direct pressure over the wound, as the blood will naturally clot. In order to prevent infection, a sterile or clean bandage should be used.

If bleeding is severe, or if shock or internal bleeding is suspected, CALL IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE!

FIRST AID:
To control bleeding:
Apply DIRECT PRESSURE on the wound. Use a gauze dressing if available.
If a dressing is not available, use a rag, towel, piece of clothing or your hand alone.
If bleeding continues, and you do not suspect a fracture, ELEVATE the wound above the level of the heart and continue to apply direct pressure.
If the bleeding still cannot be controlled, apply PRESSURE AT A PRESSURE POINT.
For wounds of the arms or hands, pressure points are located on the inside of the wrist (radial artery-where a pulse is checked) or on the inside of the upper arm (brachial artery).
For wounds of the legs, the pressure point is at the crease in the groin (femoral artery).
Steps 1 and 2 should be continued with use of the pressure points.
The final step to control bleeding is to apply a PRESSURE BANDAGE over the wound. After the bandage is in place, CHECK PULSE to make ensure sure circulation is not interrupted.

When faced with the need to control major bleeding, it is not important that the dressings you will use are sterile! Use whatever you have at hand and work quickly.

Signs and symptoms of INTERNAL BLEEDING:
. bruised, swollen, tender or rigid abdomen
. bruises on chest or signs of fractured ribs
. blood in vomit
. wounds that penetrated the chest or abdomen
. bleeding from the rectum or vagina
. abnormal pulse and difficulty breathing
. cool, moist skin

CALL IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE!
First aid in the field for internal bleeding is limited.

If the injury appears to be a simple bruise, apply cold packs to slow bleeding, relieve pain and reduce swelling. If you suspect more severe internal bleeding, carefully monitor the patient. Be prepared to administer CPR if required. Reassure the victim, control external bleeding, care for shock, loosen tight-fitting clothing and place victim on side so fluids can drain from the mouth.