Stop the Bleed!

Whenever I teach a first aid class, when I get to bleeding and larger “you’re going to need stitches” type of cuts, I always say you need to cover the wound quickly and firmly. I say this for two reasons: One, you want to start the clotting process, more on that in a minute. But the other huge reason is two, calm the person with the cut down. In any medical emergency, what doctors call bedside manners is particularly important. Calming down an injured person, to prevent shock and other issues can indeed be a lifesaving plus.

Understanding the types of bleeding and knowing how to respond quickly makes all the difference in life-threatening situations. It could be a deep cut, a puncture wound, or an accidental injury, but bleeding is, no doubt, a common medical emergency that prompts immediate response. The body’s ability to naturally stop bleeding is often limited, and without swift care in advanced conditions, it might even lead to shock or death. When someone starts bleeding, it’s easy to panic. But staying calm and knowing exactly what to do can make all the difference. Let’s dig deep into how to handle different types of bleeding and stop it in its tracks.

What are the Different Types of Bleeding

When faced with a bleeding injury, recognizing what type of bleeding you’re dealing with can make all the difference in choosing the right response. Each type has its own characteristics and treatment needs, so let’s break it down and get familiar with what you might encounter. First one note here: in any potentially serious emergency, you must always call 911 first!

Arterial Bleeding

The blood that is lost in such cases is often ejected out in a rhythmic fashion, causing the patient to be at risk, as the bleeding is hard to control and is also very fast. This kind of bleeding most commonly occurs if one sustains a deep cut or gets an injury that causes damage to a large artery. Since the amount of blood lost in such cases is quite significant, this type requires the most urgent care. The most secure way to control the bleeding is to press hard directly onto the part of the body that is hurt and apply a tourniquet above the cut. Use a clean cloth, bandage, or any available material to firmly press on the wound. The goal is to apply enough pressure to start the clotting process and stop the blood flow while waiting for emergency services to arrive. If bleeding is not controlled by direct pressure and the injury is on a limb, you can apply a tourniquet above the injury site. The purpose is to cut off blood flow to the injured area and prevent excessive blood loss. Once the tourniquet goes on, it stays on. Try to keep the victim as still and calm as possible. Movement can make the bleeding worse, so it’s important for the person to stay relaxed while waiting for medical assistance.

Venous Bleeding

When a vein is cut or injured, it causes a steady flow of dark red blood, which is known as venous bleeding. Unlike arterial bleeding, which spurts with the heartbeat, venous bleeding is more constant but can still lead to significant blood loss if not treated promptly. Applying direct pressure, elevating the affected limb, if possible, can also help slow the bleeding and make it easier to manage. Venous bleeding is generally less severe than arterial bleeding, but it can still be dangerous if not treated properly. The first and most important step is to apply steady, direct pressure to the wound. This helps slow down the blood flow and promotes clotting. You can use a clean cloth, dressing, or bandage to apply pressure. Be sure to press firmly, but avoid pressing too hard, as it could cause further damage to the tissue.

Capillary Bleeding

Capillary bleeding occurs when the tiny blood vessels near the skin’s surface, called capillaries, are damaged. This type of bleeding is usually mild and happens with minor cuts, scrapes, or abrasions. Capillary bleeding is easily recognizable by the slow, oozing flow of blood, which tends to stop on its own or with minimal pressure. It’s typically not serious and can be managed by simply cleaning the wound, applying a bit of pressure, and covering it with a clean bandage. While it’s the least severe form of bleeding, it’s still important to keep the area clean to prevent infection. The first step in treating capillary bleeding is to clean the wound. Use mild soap and water to wash away any dirt, debris, or bacteria from the wound site. This helps to reduce the risk of infection. Once the bleeding has stopped or slowed, cover the wound with a sterile bandage or adhesive strip to keep the area clean. This also prevents bacteria from entering the wound and causing infection. Make sure the bandage is snug but not too tight, as it should not cut off circulation. With any wound, if the blood continues to flow, add more dressing or cloth on top of the previous layer without removing it. This helps avoid disrupting the clotting process. This would apply to nosebleeds, too: elevate the person’s head and apply direct pressure by softly holding the nostrils closed.

Preventing Infections in Bleeding Wounds

Preventing infections in bleeding wounds is crucial, as untreated wounds can lead to complications like sepsis, which can be life-threatening. The first step in preventing infection is cleaning the wound properly. Use mild soap and clean water to gently wash away dirt and bacteria. After cleaning, apply an antiseptic to reduce the risk of infection and cover the wound with a sterile bandage to keep it protected from dirt and germs. In our area of Southwest Florida, cuts in the water from shells, barnacles, etc., present a whole new problem. Meet VIBEIO VULNIFICUS, what is better known as flesh-eating bacteria. Our saltwater environment may look clean and clear, but there is actually a wide array of bacteria present in certain situations. ANY cuts received while in the water, wading, swimming, SCUBA diving, etc., need to be aggressively treated to prevent infection.

Stopping the bleed can be an intimidating thing but the steps are quite simple. First, if you even suspect the bleeding is life-threatening, call 911 first. Then except for small cuts, cover the wound with a bandage of any clean material, T-shirt, towel…anything. This starts the clotting process and keeps the victim calmer; this is very important. One example I use in class of one you would NEVER do but drives the point home is “Hey look, I can see bone!” Imagine how that would go. In any medical emergency, you need to both stay calm and calm everyone down so you can get things moving forward. Always realize that in any emergency, you will have to build a team. What do I mean? Who is talking to 911, giving the location and updates on the victim? Who is going to direct EMS, fire, or law enforcement to where you are? Think a big parking lot or inside a building. Who is physically helping with the first aid? And build yourself a good first aid kit - everything you need can be found on Amazon, Walmart, and local CVS and Walgreens stores. First aid kits for your home, your car, and your boat are a must. One final thing: TAKE A FIRST AID CLASS. My next class will be on September 20th at the Marco Island Sail and Power Squadron training center, located at the Speakeasy Plaza, on the second level of the Plaza at 1114 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL. Go to https://marcoboatingclub.org to sign up. The two-hour class is free.