SLC21/WK3: Managing Bleeding: The Basics of Controlling External and Internal Bleeding

in Healthy Steem9 hours ago
Hello Everyone
I'm AhsanSharif From Pakistan
Greetings you all, hope you all are well and enjoying a happy moment of life with steem. I'm also good Alhamdulillah.

I hope everyone is well and enjoying their lives. We must take care of our health, if our health is good then only we can survive in our life. So we have to be prepared for every emergency, we may face any kind of problem anywhere. Similarly, here in this course, we are learning about the same things as how we can survive in emergencies, so let's move on to our task.


Design On Canva

Apply a bandage to the forearm of any peer, family member, or child. Attach a picture as proof and outline the steps you followed to apply the bandage.

Before bandaging any patient, we must first have all the necessary materials and must have proof that our hands are clean. Because only after cleaning our hands can we touch our patient's wound.

  • The first step we will take is to clean the infected wound with an antiseptic or clean water, and then gently pat it with a gauze pad.
  • Optionally, we can apply any antiseptic ointment over our patient's wound to prevent further infection.
  • After thoroughly cleaning and drying the wound, place a gauze pad over it. It should be large enough to absorb any blood or fluid that may be present. It should be positioned so that it completely covers the entire wound.
  • Now we have to start wrapping the bandage. While wrapping, we have to start from below the wound. And we have to make sure that the bandage is stuck on it well and we have to see that it is not wrinkled.
  • We have to wrap the bandage around the arm and we have to cover everything well. And still, we have to overlap it a little to make it better. And we have to witness that the bandage is smooth and not wrinkled.
  • When your bandage covers the wound well, cut the bandage and secure it with a clip or tape, or tie it into a knot to secure it.
  • After applying the bandage, we then check the patient's arm to see if its color is changing. And then we move the patient's fingers to check if they are moving. If the bandage is too tight, we loosen it.

I apply a bandage on my sister's forearm. Pictures are given below.

Apply a cloth tourniquet to any peer, family member, or child. Write down the steps for applying the tourniquet.

We use the tourniquet as a last resort when there is severe bleeding from one of our limbs and it is not stopping. At that time, we used this tourniquet. There are some steps to using a cloth tourniquet that are the safest. With the help of the bandage, we will first confirm that the blood flow is very fast that it is not being stopped by this object, and that it is very intense. In such a situation, we must use a tourniquet because if we apply anything wrong, it can cause harm.

  • First of all, we will need a material that is one to two inches wide, flexible, and strong, such as a shirt, scarf, or any bandage. To bend this tourniquet, we will need a rigid tool, such as a pen or stick.
  • We will place this cloth two to three inches above our wound, which will be between our hearts. We will avoid things like our knees, elbows, and joints so that we do not tie them over them. We will place it between the wound and our heart, and we will make sure that the tourniquet is directly on the skin and not on top of the clothes.
  • Now we have to wrap the tourniquet around our limb properly and tie a strong knot. And we have to make sure that it stays in place.
  • To tighten the tourniquet, we have to place any hard object in between it, such as any stick or pen, etc. And then we have to tie another knot on top of it.
  • To tighten the tourniquet, we have to twist our pen or whatever object we have placed on it until the blood flow stops.
  • To prevent this pen or this object from coming loose, we have to secure it by tying the ends of the cloth around it.
  • After tying it properly, we have to note our time because we cannot keep the tourniquet on or over this limb for a long time unless a medical supervisor comes to us.

When the blood flow stops using a tourniquet, you should seek medical help immediately. You should keep the person who has the problem calm and monitor them.

I apply a tourniquet to my sister's arm. Pictures are given below.

Explain how, when, and by whom a tourniquet should be removed.

The tourniquet can only be removed in a hospital or by a trained medical professional.

The tourniquet should remain on us and not be changed until we receive any medical help. Removing it makes us more susceptible to life-threatening complications because at that time blood flow resumes and tissue damage can occur.

We can remove the tourniquet when the situation is under our control because when we remove it, the doctor can control it in an emergency situation because at that time there is a strong expectation that the blood flow will resume.

A tourniquet can and should only be removed by a medical professional, as they will be able to properly assess the wound and the bleeding and then perform any appropriate treatment, such as surgery or suturing.

Using a tourniquet can save our lives and its misuse can push us towards harm. And it should be used in the most serious situations and only professionals should remove it.

Case Study 1

What steps should you take to control the bleeding?

In such a situation, there are often many people gathered, so the first thing you need to do as a first aider is to reassure yourself and show confidence that you will be able to handle the injured person well. If you remain calm and in control, both the injured person and their companions will be reassured that you are the best person to help them.

You introduce yourself there and say that I am trained in first aid, so I will help you, and that will let them know that you will handle the situation, and then tell them what you are going to do at the same time.

  • First of all, we will need a clean cloth or bandage with which we will cover the wound slow the flow of blood and press it firmly.
  • If possible, elevate the limb above the level of the heart to reduce blood flow.
  • We will hold it in place until medical help reaches us or the bleeding from this wound stops.
  • If we have a pressure bandage available, we must use it. Wrap this bandage around the wound while maintaining pressure.
  • We will have to be prepared for every situation at this time and we will have to keep an eye on these things so that paleness, cold sweat, weakness, or helplessness does not appear in the patient. If the person feels faint, raise his legs a little and lay him down. In such a situation, we should also remember CPR and DRABC protocols and we may have to resort to them as well.
How would you assess whether the bleeding is arterial, venous, or capillary?

If we are in a situation where bleeding is occurring, if the blood is bright and very red, it can be very difficult for us to control it because it indicates severed arteries.

If the blood is dark red or maroon and is flowing steadily, it means that it is a vein injury, which indicates that it is somewhat less dangerous than arterial bleeding.

If the blood is flowing very slowly and is not very intense, it can cause small cuts or abrasions on the surface of the skin, which is less dangerous than arterial and venous bleeding.

What would you do if pressure alone does not stop the bleeding?

If the bandage or cloth we are using on the wound gets wet, use more cloth on top of it and press it more firmly.

If the bleeding still doesn't stop, then as a last resort, you should use a tourniquet. Place the tourniquet two to three inches away from the wound, using a smooth, non-wrinkled cloth, and tie it tightly.

It is important to make sure that the tourniquet you use is tight enough to stop the bleeding. And if possible, loosen it after 10 to 15 minutes or so, or when help is near, to reduce the risk of further damage.

After doing our best, we still have to call emergency services because if the bleeding is coming from an artery, it can be quite intense and we may even have to go to surgery, so it is important to get emergency help immediately.

Case Study 2

What should you do as a first aider to manage the situation?

In such a situation, we have to keep the DRABC protocol in mind and we have to be sure that both parties are safe, then we will move on to our next task.

Internal bleeding can be very dangerous and can even be life-threatening, so first of all we need to get emergency medical help. For this, we need to call emergency services like 1122, etc.

In such a situation, we will try to keep the patient calm so that there is no risk of further injury or bleeding.

In such a situation, the patient's position needs to be improved. If the patient is conscious, we will lay him on his knees to reduce the pressure on his abdominal muscles. If he is unconscious, we will keep him in the recovery position to prevent choking in case of vomiting.

Then we will continue to check the patient's breathing and pulse frequently so that we can give them CPR if necessary.

Why should you avoid applying direct pressure to the abdomen?

Direct pressure is not applied to the abdomen to avoid further damage to the internal organs, as direct pressure can damage internal nerves and increase internal bleeding.

The vessels and organs in the abdomen are already injured, and pressing on them can rupture them again and make the situation worse.

What signs of shock should you look for, and how should you respond?

Signs:

  • In such a case, the patient's skin becomes cold and pale.
  • Weakness occurs and the pulse quickens.
  • Nausea begins and there is a high risk of vomiting.
  • It feels very thirsty in such a situation.
  • There is a lot of confusion and/or loss of consciousness.

Respond:

  • If this is not already the case, then make sure you seek emergency services.
  • Lay the person down and place something flat on their back and, if possible, elevate their legs slightly to improve blood flow to their limbs.
  • Keep him warm and use a blanket or extra clothing over him to prevent the shock from getting worse.
  • Monitor him regularly, keep checking his breathing and pulse. If he stops breathing, perform CPR immediately.
Create an Infographic (Visual Illustration) on Stopping Bleeding


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