First aid for bleeding

Under supervision

- Prof. Dr. Mohamed Latif, CEO of the Egyptian Health Council

 Dr. Kawthar Mahmoud, Head of the Egyptian Nursing Syndicate - Member of the Senate

Supervised by

Dr. sherif wadie, advisor to the minster of health for emergency and urgent care

Prepared by

It may occur as a result of an injury such as a fracture, crush, or penetrating injury, or due to a medical condition such as a bleeding  infectious bite,  There are internal organs such as the spleen and liver, for example, that may be damaged by a blow to the body without there being any external evidence of that.

Internal bleeding can be more dangerous than external bleeding. Although blood is not lost outside the body, it leaves the circulatory system so that vital organs can’t recover from the lack of oxygen. Also, blood that collects internally can cause complications if it presses on vital tissues. For example, blood that collects in the skull may press on the brain and cause loss of consciousness

2-  Internal bleeding is more difficult to identify than external bleeding, as the signs are not easy to notice and may take time to appear. Signs of internal bleeding include:

➡️ Presence of bruises or skin discoloration in the affected area

➡️ The presence of pain, swelling, or hardness in soft tissues such as those in the abdomen

➡️ Anxiety or insomnia

➡️ Having a fast and weak pulse

➡️ Simple rapid breathing or panting

➡️ Cold, clammy, pale, or blue skin

➡️ Nausea and vomiting

➡️ Extreme thirst

➡️ Decreased level of consciousness

2- Get the injured person to the hospital immediately because internal bleeding cannot usually be treated with first aid. While you are waiting for medical help to arrive:

-   Do not cause any further harm to the injured person

-   Complete rest and not moving the injured person as much as possible

-   Lay the injured person on the floor with his head turned to one side and advise him not to move

-   Raise his legs if his injury allows it to help blood reach vital organs

-   Loosen any tight clothing around the neck , chest and waist. Reassure the injured person and explain to him the need for him to relax

-   Monitor CPR Basics

-   Maintain normal body temperature

-   Do not give the injured person anything by mouth

-   Transport the injured person quickly to the hospital. Carry him on a stretcher while maintaining the treatment position

steps:

1.  The type of bleeding (arterial or venous), its location (internal or external), and its cause (accident or post-surgery) are determined.

2.  Direct pressure is applied to the wound using a sterile dressing in the case of external bleeding.

3.  There are three practical methods to stop bleeding and reduce its severity:

o   Direct hand pressure on the bleeding site.

o   Applying pressure to specific areas of the body.

o   Using arterial tourniquets.

4.    Insert a large or larger-sized peripheral cannula.

5.  Draw a blood sample from the patient for a complete blood count and blood typing to reserve blood for the patient.

6.  Place the patient under observation for blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and breathing.

7.  Do not attempt to wipe blood from the wound site or remove the dressing or cloth if it becomes completely soaked with blood to avoid continued bleeding due to:

o   Reducing pressure on the area for a certain duration.

o   Interfering with the natural clotting process.

 

internal bleeding:

1-   Treat shock and warm the patient

2-   The injured person is not given any thing by mouth

3-   The injured person should be given oxygen

4-   The patient is  given   fluids according to instructions

5-   Create a fluid map to calculate the amount of fluid entering and exiting body

6-   Vital Signs Observation

-   Bleeding with or without sharp, persistent pain on one side of the abdomen for a long time may signal an ectopic pregnancy (where the fetus grows outside the uterus), which is a medical emergency.

-   Heavy bleeding, especially with prolonged back or abdominal pain, may indicate a miscarriage.

-   In later stages of pregnancy, bleeding may mean the placenta (which nourishes and supplies oxygen to the fetus in the uterus) has begun to detach from the uterine wall. It may also signal premature labor (labor starting before the 37th week).

High Fever: Any increase in body temperature should be addressed.

Vision Problems: Double vision, blurred or weak vision, or seeing bright spots or lights lasting more than two hours may indicate preeclampsia.

Swelling of the Hands, Face, and Eyes: Most women experience swelling (edema) during pregnancy. However, if the swelling is sudden, it may be a sign of preeclampsia.

Severe Headache: A headache lasting more than 2–3 hours, along with visual disturbances and sudden swelling in the hands, eyes, and face, could indicate preeclampsia.

Severe Vomiting: Vomiting more than 2–3 times a day in early pregnancy may lead to dehydration and require hospitalization. Vomiting in late pregnancy accompanied by fever and pain under the ribs may be a sign of preeclampsia.

Fainting or Dizziness: These could be symptoms of low blood pressure. Consult your doctor or midwife for further investigation.

Excessive Thirst with Little or No Urine Output: This may signal dehydration or gestational diabetes, a condition that occurs during pregnancy and increases the risk of complications for both mother and baby.

Pain or Burning During Urination: If accompanied by fever, chills, and back pain, it could indicate a urinary tract infection affecting the kidneys, bladder, or other parts of the urinary system, requiring treatment with antibiotics.

Vaginal Fluid Leakage: Leaking fluid before the 37th week may mean the protective amniotic sac has ruptured prematurely. Immediate hospital admission is necessary to prevent infection and prepare for possible preterm labor.

Abdominal Pain (With or Without Nausea or Vomiting): Severe or sharp pain may be due to severe indigestion, a stomach virus, or food poisoning.

Lower Abdominal Pain: Pain on one or both sides may indicate ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, premature labor, or placental abruption.

Reduced or No Fetal Movement: If your baby stops moving after the 21st week of pregnancy or shows reduced movement for more than 24 hours, it may indicate fetal distress.

2.  Rupture of the Membrane (Amniotic Fluid): The flow of fluid from the vagina might indicate early rupture, requiring induction of labor if delivery does not progress quickly.

3.  Excessive Uterine Contractions in Frequency, Intensity, and Duration:

o   In the early stages, contractions last 15 to 20 seconds.

o   In later stages, they increase to 40–50 seconds, occurring 2–3 times every 5 minutes.

o   During this time, focus on breathing techniques (Lamaze method) to ease the pain and relax. If the pain becomes severe, you may request pain relief medication.

4.  Seizures or Loss of Consciousness.

5.  Failure of the Placenta to Deliver Within 30 Minutes After the Baby is Born.

6.  Seeing the Arm or Foot Instead of the Head During Delivery.

7.  Prolapse of the Umbilical Cord Before the Baby is Delivered.

▶️ Apply cold compresses to the lower abdomen

▶️ Bring your thighs together rather than applying direct pressure