Bleeding

Bleeding refers to blood loss from damaged blood vessels. External bleeding occurs when blood leaves the body through a wound that involves a break in the skin. Internal bleeding occurs when blood vessels burst but there is no obvious skin wound or when internal organs bleed (e.g. gastrointestinal bleeding).

Treatment for Bleeding

Exerting direct pressure on the wound is the quickest, most effective, and simplest way to control bleeding. This is known as the direct pressure method.

Steps to Apply the Direct Pressure Method

• Check whether there is any foreign object embedded in the wound.
• If no-
  • Cover the wound with antiseptic gauze, dressings or a clean cloth.
  • Use a clean and dry cloth/handkerchief if dressing or gauze is unavailable.
  • Apply even pressure to the wound continuously for 5 to 10 minutes with palms or fingers. 
  • Bandage the wound when bleeding stops, and immobilise the injured limb.  Do not bandage the wound too tightly to impede blood circulation.
• If yes-
  • Do not exert direct pressure on the wound.
  • Do not attempt to remove a foreign object embedded deeply in the wound as this may cause massive bleeding; and the risk of massive bleeding increases if the foreign object is embedded right at the bleeding point.
  • Cover the surroundings of the wound with dressings, a clean cloth or layers of gauze and exert direct pressure on the edge of the wound
• Dial ‘999’ for help if bleeding is severe and cannot be controlled.