What to do when injured and bleeding? Learn the hemostasis methods!
The Importance of Bleeding Control in First Aid
When people hear the term "first aid," they often think of CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) learned during their school years. While CPR is a vital life-saving skill, another equally important first aid technique is bleeding control.
Bleeding control is a critical skill that can be useful in both everyday situations and emergencies. Whether at home, in the workplace, or during outdoor activities, accidents and injuries can happen at any time. When a person suffers trauma or an injury that damages blood vessels or arteries, severe bleeding can occur. If bleeding is not controlled quickly, the situation can rapidly worsen and even become life-threatening.
Therefore, learning proper bleeding control techniques can help quickly stop bleeding, gaining valuable time to take immediate action during accidents or disasters. This can prevent excessive blood loss before emergency responders arrive. Additionally, bleeding control plays a crucial role in preventing infections. When a wound is actively bleeding, bacteria and viruses can easily enter, increasing the risk of infection.
If bleeding is not promptly controlled, the wound may remain moist for an extended period, further elevating the risk of infection. Effective bleeding control not only helps prevent infection but also promotes faster wound healing. Learning hemostatic techniques is not difficult, and these skills are widely applicable. Many basic methods and tools—such as direct pressure, wound packing, and the use of tourniquets—can be utilized in emergency situations. In fact, fundamental first aid courses and training programs often teach these bleeding control techniques, equipping more people with the ability to protect themselves and assist others in critical moments.
In conclusion, beyond CPR, bleeding control is an equally vital first aid skill. It enables quick intervention to stop bleeding, reduces infection risks, and buys precious time for the injured to receive professional medical care. We should prioritize learning and training in bleeding control techniques, ensuring that this essential skill becomes an integral part of our daily lives.
Direct Pressure Hemostasis
Direct pressure hemostasis is an essential skill in both daily life and emergency situations. It allows for quick bleeding control, preventing excessive blood loss and buying valuable time for the injured. Among all hemostatic methods, direct pressure is one of the simplest and most commonly used techniques.
When encountering an injury, the first step is to quickly find a clean cloth or gauze and place it directly over the wound. Using a clean material is crucial to minimize the risk of infection. Then, apply firm pressure directly to the wound using the palm of your hand to help control the bleeding. The key to effective pressure application is to use sufficient force without excessive pressure, as too much force may cause further injury to the wound. By maintaining steady pressure, you assist in promoting blood clotting and stopping the bleeding as quickly as possible.
Although direct pressure is an effective emergency measure, it is only a temporary solution. While controlling the bleeding, continuously monitor the injured person's condition. If the bleeding is severe or the wound is complex, seek professional medical assistance immediately. Only trained medical personnel can provide comprehensive and appropriate medical treatment.
Wound Packing Hemostasis
Wound packing is a common hemostatic technique, typically used for deep wounds or severe bleeding situations. This method involves inserting hemostatic gauze, medical gauze, or clean cloth (preferably medical gauze) into the wound to apply internal pressure and control bleeding.
Steps for Wound Packing:
Select an appropriate packing material, such as clean gauze, dressings, or pressure bandages.
Gently and quickly clean the wound area using your hands or a tool to reduce the risk of infection during packing.
Insert the packing material into the wound, ensuring the wound cavity is fully packed. This should be done gently to avoid causing further injury.
Apply direct pressure on the packed wound with both hands. Once active bleeding is controlled, use a pressure bandage to secure the wound and maintain compression.
Continue to monitor the injured person's condition and seek professional medical assistance immediately for further wound treatment.
Wound packing is an effective emergency bleeding control method, especially for large or deep wounds. However, it is only a temporary measure, and only medical professionals can provide proper and comprehensive treatment. When performing wound packing, always remain calm, avoid causing further injury, and seek professional first aid assistance as soon as possible.
Tourniquet Hemostasis
A tourniquet is an effective method for controlling severe limb bleeding, particularly in life-threatening situations. However, it should only be used as a temporary emergency measure, and professional medical assistance must be sought as soon as possible to ensure proper wound treatment and care.
Proper Use of a Tourniquet:
Only trained personnel should apply a tourniquet, as improper use may lead to further injury.
Secure the tourniquet tightly around the limb, above the wound (closer to the heart), until the bleeding stops.
Avoid excessive pressure that could cause additional complications, such as nerve damage.
Immediately seek professional medical help after applying the tourniquet to ensure proper wound management and safe removal of the tourniquet.
Choosing the Right Tourniquet:
It is crucial to purchase a certified medical-grade tourniquet approved by health authorities, such as the SAM XT Tourniquet or CAT GEN-7 Tourniquet from the U.S. Avoid purchasing uncertified or imitation tourniquets, as they may be made from inferior materials that can break or fail to stop bleeding effectively. Training or low-cost imitation tourniquets are not suitable for real-life medical emergencies and should never be used for actual bleeding control.
