There may be times when applying your knowledge of applying direct pressure from your first aid certification and training course may not be enough to stop severe bleeding alone. Emergency training for severe bleeding is often covered in first aid and CPR course online programs for situations such as these. By obtaining our first aid card, we learn that there are two options to consider when direct pressures doesn’t stop the bleeding on a large wound.
The first option you learn about with first aid cert. online training is using hemostatic agents along with direct pressure. Hemostatic agents help to clot blood and stop bleeding so that there is not a significant loss of blood. By using hemostatic agents, you can significantly improve the chances of survival and improve recovery times for individuals who have severe bleeding.
The second option you learned about with first aid certification course programs is tourniquets. Tourniquets should be used as a last resort after all other options have been tried, including direct pressure and hemostatic agents. If the wound is severe and you can tell that a major artery has damaged due to arterial bleeding, a tourniquet should be considered a first choice in this situation. A tourniquet is a device that significantly restricts the blood flow so that no additional blood will be loss. A tourniquet should not be removed by the individual and should be left in place until the paramedics and/or emergency room doctor is ready to step in. Removing a tourniquet too soon can cause the severe bleeding to start again.
Many individuals are hesitant to use a tourniquet because they believe that permanent nerve damage could be induced by the device. If the bleeding is severe enough that a tourniquet is needed but not used, the chances of loss of life are significantly increased so it is better to err on the side of caution. Surprisingly, a tourniquet can be used and worn for up to three hours before any injuries could occur and the chances are very high that the paramedics will be able to reach you before then. The average response time in the United States for the paramedics to reach you after receiving a 911 phone call is between four and ten minutes, depending on where you live. Do not be afraid to use your training to help someone in need. Having first aid training helps you learn what to do and what not to do so that you can take change and remain calm when duty calls.
