Illustrated First Aid Guide - Marcia Wendorf [9]
4. Using a sterile bandage, clean cloth, piece of clothing or even your hand, apply direct pressure to the wound for at least 20 minutes. Do not look to see if the bleeding has stopped.
5. You can maintain direct pressure by binding the wound tightly with a bandage or piece of clean clothing.
6. If blood seeps through the bandage or cloth, do not remove it, instead, add more absorbent material on top of it.
7. Apply direct pressure to the artery supplying blood to the wound. In the arm, pressure points are located on the inside just above the elbow and just below the armpit. In the leg, pressure points are just behind the knee and in the groin. Press the artery against the bone keeping your fingers flat
8. Once the bleeding has stopped, leave the bandages in place, immobilize the injured body part, and seek medical assistance.
Internal bleeding requires immediate medical assistance. Symptoms of internal bleeding include:
• Bleeding from body cavities such as the ears, nose, rectum or vagina
• Vomiting or coughing up blood
• Bruising on the neck, chest, abdomen or side between the ribs and hip
• Wounds that have penetrated the skull, chest or abdomen
• Abdominal tenderness, rigidity or spasm of the abdominal muscles
• Fractures
• Shock, indicated by weakness, thirst or skin that’s cool to the touch
Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are common, especially in young children. In children and adults, nosebleeds usually originate from the septum, the divider separating your nasal chambers. In middle-aged and older adults, nosebleeds can originate deeper in the nose, and may be caused by hardened arteries or high blood pressure. These type of nosebleeds are difficult to stop and require a specialist’s help.
People experiencing frequent nosebleeds should make an appointment with their doctor, who can cauterize the bleeding blood vessel with an electric current, silver nitrate or a laser. The doctor can also pack the nose with special gauze or an inflatable latex balloon to put pressure on the bleeding blood vessel.
People experiencing frequent nosebleeds who are taking blood thinners, such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin) should consult their doctor on the dosage. People using supplemental oxygen administered through a nasal tube (cannula) may be at increased risk of nosebleeds, and should apply a water-based lubricant to their nostrils and increase the humidity in their home.
Treatment:
1. Have the person sit upright and lean forward. Sitting upright reduces the blood pressure in the veins of the nose, which discourages further bleeding. Sitting forward helps avoid swallowing blood, which can irritate the stomach.
2. Using your thumb and index finger, pinch the victim’s nose closed for 5 to 10 minutes and have them breathe through their mouth. Pinching the nose creates direct pressure on the bleeding point on the nasal septum.
3. For several hours after the bleeding has stopped, do not allow the victim to bend down, and have them keep their head higher than the level of their heart.
4. To prevent the bleeding from starting again after it has stopped, do not allow the victim to pick or blow their nose
5. If re-bleeding occurs, have the victim blow their nose forcefully to clear out any blood clots, then spray both sides of the nose with a decongestant nasal spray containing oxymetazoline (Afrin, Neo-Synephrine, others).
6. Pinch the nose again, and if bleeding continues, seek medical attention.
7. Seek medical attention if a nosebleed lasts longer than 20 minutes.
8. If the nosebleed follows an accident, fall or injury to the head, including a punch to the face that may have broken the nose, seek medical attention immediately.
Puncture Wounds
Puncture wounds, such as stepping on a nail or being stuck with a tack, don’t bleed much, and the wound often closes up quickly. However, these wounds can be especially dangerous due to the risk of infection. The object that caused the wound may carry the spores of tetanus or other bacteria, especially if the object was in contact with the