When to Call an Ambulance: Signs of Severe Bleeding

Severe bleeding is a critical medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Whether it’s caused by an accident, injury, or underlying condition, recognizing the signs of severe bleeding and knowing when to call for emergency services professionals is vital for the injured person’s survival. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various signs of severe bleeding, when to call an ambulance, and what actions to take while waiting for help to arrive.

Understanding Severe Bleeding

Bleeding is classified into two types:

• External Bleeding: Visible blood loss from cuts, wounds, or injuries.

• Internal Bleeding: Occurs inside the body and may not be immediately visible, but its effects can be just as dangerous.

Severe bleeding can lead to shock, organ failure, or death if not treated promptly, making it crucial to recognize when to call for an ambulance. Below are the key signs of severe bleeding and situations that warrant immediate emergency assistance.

Understanding Severe Bleeding

Severe bleeding is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. It can occur due to various reasons such as injuries, accidents, or medical conditions. If you or someone you know is experiencing severe bleeding, it is essential to call an ambulance immediately.

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are trained to provide emergency care and stabilize patients with severe bleeding during ambulance transport. They can administer basic life support, including applying pressure to the wound, elevating the affected limb, and providing oxygen.

In severe cases, emergency physicians may need to perform surgical interventions to control the bleeding. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly to prevent further complications.

Some common signs of severe bleeding include:

• Heavy bleeding that does not stop with pressure

• Bleeding from multiple sites

• Pale or cool skin

• Fast or weak pulse

• Dizziness or fainting

If you suspect someone is experiencing severe bleeding, do not hesitate to call an ambulance. Remember, prompt medical attention can make a significant difference in saving a life.

Signs of Severe Bleeding That Require an Ambulance

Blood Coming from the Mouth or Nose

Bleeding from the mouth or nose can indicate serious internal damage or injury to vital organs. Common causes include:

• Trauma to the face or head

• Internal bleeding in the lungs or stomach

• A ruptured blood vessel

When to Call 911:

• If there is significant or continuous blood coming from the nose or mouth, it could be a potentially life-threatening situation.

• If the person is having trouble breathing or swallowing.

• If the bleeding is accompanied by vomiting, coughing, or choking.

What to Do While Waiting:

• Keep the person seated or slightly forward to prevent choking.

• Encourage them to spit out blood rather than swallow it to avoid nausea or vomiting.

• Try to keep the person calm to minimize shock.

Blood in Urine or Stool

Blood in the urine or stool is a sign of internal bleeding, often stemming from the digestive or urinary tract. Causes may include:

• Trauma to the abdomen

• A urinary tract infection

• Gastrointestinal bleeding

• Kidney injury

When to Call 911:

• If you notice any blood in the urine or stool.

• If the person also has severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.

• If they appear weak, pale, or show signs of shock.

What to Do While Waiting:

• Keep the person hydrated with small sips of water.

• Monitor their condition for any worsening symptoms such as dizziness or fainting.

A Large Cut That Won’t Stop Bleeding

Deep cuts or lacerations that won’t stop bleeding even after applying pressure can be life-threatening. Significant blood loss can quickly lead to shock. Causes of such cuts include:

• Accidents with sharp objects

• Vehicle collisions

• Workplace or sports injuries

When to Call 911:

• If the wound continues to bleed after applying firm pressure for more than 10 minutes.

• If the blood is spurting out, which indicates arterial bleeding.

• If the cut is located on a sensitive area like the neck, chest, or abdomen.

What to Do While Waiting:

• Apply constant, firm pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage.

• Elevate the injured area above the heart to reduce blood flow.

• Do not remove the dressing even if it becomes soaked—add more layers on top instead.

Large Wounds on the Face, Neck, or Chest

Wounds in these areas are extremely dangerous to patients due to their proximity to major blood vessels and organs. Such injuries could result from:

• Traumatic accidents

• Assaults

• Falls from a height

When to Call 911:

• If the wound is deep and bleeding profusely.

• If the injury affects the airway or breathing.

• If there is visible damage to the chest or neck.

What to Do While Waiting:

• Apply pressure to the wound without obstructing breathing.

• Keep the person still and calm to avoid further injury.

• Use a tourniquet or pressure bandage if trained to do so.

Severe Head, Neck, or Back Injury

Severe injuries to the head, neck, or back can cause life-threatening bleeding, internal injuries, or spinal damage. The force of the injury may have impacted the brain or spinal cord, requiring immediate medical attention and treatment.

When to Call 911:

• If the person loses consciousness or has difficulty staying awake.

• If they experience severe neck or back pain.

• If they exhibit signs of paralysis, weakness, or numbness.

What to Do While Waiting:

• Keep the person as still as possible to prevent further damage to the spine or brain.

• Avoid moving their head, neck, or back unless absolutely necessary for safety.

• If the person is unconscious, monitor their breathing and prepare to begin CPR if needed.

Severe Abdominal Pain with Nausea and Vomiting Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

Severe abdominal pain, particularly when accompanied by nausea and vomiting, can be a sign of internal bleeding in the digestive tract or other internal organs. This could result from:

• Trauma to the abdomen

• A ruptured ulcer

• A burst appendix

When to Call 911:

• If the person is vomiting blood or passing blood in their stool.

• If they have intense abdominal pain that doesn't subside.

• If the person appears pale, weak, or shows signs of shock.

What to Do While Waiting:

• Keep the person lying down with their legs elevated.

• Avoid giving them any food or drinks.

• Monitor for signs of shock, such as cool skin or rapid breathing.

Excessive Bleeding During Pregnancy

If a pregnant woman experiences significant vaginal bleeding, it is considered a medical emergency. This could indicate several medical emergencies:

• A miscarriage

• Placental abruption

• Preterm labor

When to Call 911:

• If there is heavy bleeding or clotting.

• If the bleeding is accompanied by severe pain or cramping.

• If the woman is in her third trimester and experiencing contractions.

What to Do While Waiting:

• Help the person lie down on their left side to reduce pressure on major blood vessels.

• Monitor for signs of shock or distress.

Signs of Shock from Severe Bleeding: A Life Threatening Emergency

Shock occurs when the body doesn’t get enough blood flow, leading to life-threatening consequences. Signs of shock include:

• Rapid breathing

• Cold, clammy skin

• Weakness or dizziness

• Confusion or unconsciousness

When to Call 911:

• If the person shows any signs of shock after severe bleeding.

• If the bleeding is accompanied by a pale or bluish complexion.

• If the person is unresponsive or unable to stay awake.

What to Do While Waiting:

• Keep the person lying down with their feet elevated.

• Cover them with a blanket to keep warm.

• Monitor their breathing and pulse until help arrives.

Situations Requiring Ambulance Transport

There are several situations where ambulance transport is necessary to ensure the patient receives timely and appropriate medical treatment. Some of these situations include:

• Leg or Arm Injury: If you have suffered a severe leg or arm injury, such as a fracture or severe laceration, ambulance transport may be necessary to ensure you receive immediate medical attention.

• Severe Allergic Reaction: If you are experiencing a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, ambulance transport is crucial to receive emergency medical treatment.

• Heart Attack: If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, call an ambulance immediately.

• Life-Threatening Emergency: In any life-threatening emergency, such as a severe head injury or difficulty breathing, ambulance transport is necessary to ensure the patient receives prompt medical attention.

• Emergency Departments: If you need to be transported to an emergency department for further medical treatment, ambulance transport is often the best option.

In these situations, ambulance transport provides a safe and efficient way to receive medical treatment. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are trained to provide emergency care during transport, and emergency physicians are prepared to provide further treatment upon arrival at the hospital.

Remember, if you are unsure whether to call an ambulance, it is always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention promptly.

When to Call an Ambulance for Severe Bleeding

It’s always better to err on the side of caution when dealing with severe bleeding. If you are unsure whether the situation is life-threatening, call for an ambulance. Here are key scenarios in which you should call 911:

• Uncontrolled bleeding after applying pressure for 10 minutes.

• Blood spurting from a wound (indicating arterial bleeding).

• Bleeding accompanied by symptoms of shock, such as rapid breathing or confusion.

• Bleeding from the nose, mouth, or abdomen that doesn't stop.

• Severe injuries to the head, neck, chest, or back.

What to Do While Waiting for the Emergency Medical Technicians

• Apply Pressure: Use a clean cloth or bandage to apply constant pressure to the wound.

• Elevate the Affected Area: If possible, elevate the injury above heart level to reduce blood flow.

• Keep the Person Calm: Reassure them and monitor their condition, keeping them still to avoid further injury.

• Use a Tourniquet: If trained, use a tourniquet to stop excessive bleeding from a limb.

• Prepare for CPR: Be ready to perform CPR if the person stops breathing or loses consciousness.

Conclusion: Don’t Hesitate to Call for Help

Severe bleeding is a medical emergency that demands immediate intervention and medical treatment. Recognizing the signs of severe bleeding and acting quickly by calling an ambulance can make the difference between life and death. If you or someone else is experiencing uncontrolled bleeding, signs of shock, or internal bleeding, call 911 without delay. It’s always better to seek professional help when in doubt than to risk waiting too long for life-saving care.