Bleeding

Bleeding is the loss of blood from the circulatory system. Causes can include minor bleeding from small cuts and abrasions, nosebleeds, severe external bleeding or internal bleeding. First aid for severe external bleeding is critical to limit the loss of blood until emergency medical aid arrives.

First aid techniques to manage external bleeding include applying direct pressure to the wound, using pads and bandages, and raising the injured limb above the level of the heart.

Minor bleeding
Small cuts and abrasions that are not bleeding excessively can be managed at home. First aid suggestions include:

• Clean the injured area with sterile gauze soaked in normal saline or clean water. Do not use cotton wool or any material that will fray or leave fluff in the wound.
• Apply an appropriate dressing such as a bandaid or a non-adhesive dressing held in place with a non-allergenic tape. This dressing must be changed regularly.
• See your doctor if you can’t remove the dirt yourself. A dirty wound is at a high risk of infection.
• If you have not had a booster vaccine against tetanus in the last five years, see your doctor.

• Sit the person upright and ask them to tilt their head forward.
• Using the thumb and forefinger, squeeze the nostrils of the nose shut.
• Hold for at least 10 minutes.
• Release the hold gently and check for bleeding. If the bleeding has stopped, avoid blowing the nose or picking at it for the rest of the day.
• If bleeding continues beyond 20 minutes, see your doctor.

• Check for danger before approaching the injured person.
• If possible, send someone else to call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
• Lie the person down. If a limb is injured, raise the injured area above the level of the person’s heart (if possible).
• Get the person to apply direct pressure to the wound with their hand or hands to stem the blood flow. If the person can’t do it, apply direct pressure yourself.
• You may need to pull the edges of the wound together.
• If an object is embedded in the wound, do not remove it. Apply pressure around the object.
• Cover the wound with a dressing (sterile if possible), using pads and a bandage to hold them firmly in place.
• Do not apply a tourniquet.
• If blood saturates the dressing, do not remove it. Add fresh padding over the top.

• Bowel injury – bleeding from the anus
• Head injury – bleeding from the ears or nose
• Lung injury – coughing up frothy, bloodied sputum (spit)
• Urinary tract injury – blood in the urine.

• Pain at the injured site
• Swollen, tight abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pale, clammy, sweaty skin
• Breathlessness
• Extreme thirst
• Unconsciousness.

• Check for danger before approaching the person.
• If possible, send someone else to call an ambulance (000).
• Check that the person is conscious.
• Lie the person down.
• Cover them with a blanket or something to keep them warm.
• If possible, raise the person’s legs above the level of their heart.
• Don’t give the person anything to eat or drink.
• Offer reassurance. Manage any other injuries, if possible.
• If the person becomes unconscious, place them on their side. Check breathing and pulse frequently. Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary.

• If possible, wash your hands with soap and water before and after offering first aid. Dry your hands thoroughly.
• First aid kits contain gloves. Always put on gloves beforehand if available. If not, improvise.
• If possible, do not cough or sneeze over the wound.

• Your doctor
• Always call triple zero (000) in a medical emergency
• Emergency department of the nearest hospital

• St John Ambulance Australia Victoria Tel. 1300 360 455
• Australian Red Cross Tel. 1300 367 428

• Always call triple zero (000) in an emergency.
• First aid for severe external bleeding includes direct pressure on the wound, pads and bandages, and raising the injured area above the level of the heart if possible.
• First aid for internal bleeding includes lying the person down, raising their legs above the level of their heart and not giving them anything to eat or drink.

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