Dealing with Bleeding

Bleeding may occur from the arteries, veins or capillaries or from combinations of the three.

When any tissue in our body is torn or cut by injury a wound is caused. There are several types of wounds like Bruises, Lacerations, Contusions, Incised wounds, Punctured wounds and others.

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Incised Wounds are caused by sharp instruments like knives, razor etc. The blood vessels are "clean cut" and so these wounds bleed extensively.

Contused Wounds are caused by blows from blunt instruments or by crushing. The tissues look bruised.

Lacerated Wounds are caused by fall on rough surfaces, pieces of shells, claws of animals, machinery etc. These wounds have torn or irregular edges and they tend to bleed less.

What are the dangers of Wounds?

The two major dangers of a wound are bleeding and infection. Bleeding is the immediate danger and should be dealt with as soon as possible.

Dealing with Bleeding

Bleeding is one of the commonest causes of death in accidents. It is caused by the rupture of blood vessels due to the severity of the injury. There are two types of bleeding: external bleeding which is obvious and apparent and internal bleeding where the bleeding is not apparent at the outset but may manifest itself later in the form of bleeding from the nose, ear, lungs or stomach.

Signs and Symptoms of Bleeding

The patient may feel faint and even collapse.

The skin becomes cold and clammy.

The pulse becomes rapid and weak.

Breathing becomes shallow and the patient may gasp for air and sigh deeply.

Profuse sweating may occur.

Thirst may be prominent.

Identifying the source of bleeding

Bleeding may occur from the arteries, veins or capillaries or from combinations of the three. It can be identified by the following characteristics:

Bleeding from the arteries is bright red and comes out in jets or spurts, which correspond to the beating of the heart. This kind of bleeding is very dangerous and may cause death quickly.

Bleeding from the veins is dark in colour and often flows out in a continuous stream.

Bleeding from capillaries is a steady, slow ooze. In an acute situation, especially if on the surface of the body, it is less worrying than an arterial or veinous bleeding.

How to manage External Bleeding?

How to manage Internal Bleeding?