First Aid for Severe Bleeding Certification Manual: Recognizing Severe Bleeding

HOW TO RECOGNIZE A SEVERE BLEED

Bleeding might be severe or life-threatening if you notice a significant amount of blood has been lost. Severe bleeding can result from acute wounds, which are expected to heal without complications in a predicted amount of time. Or, if the bleeding cannot be controlled and/or the pulse rate is either below 60 beats per minute or over 120 beats per minute in an adult.

Closed wounds can also lead to severe bleeding, even though the injured tissue is not exposed, and are often caused by blunt trauma.

The human body has between 4-6 liters of blood. If you see 1/2 of a liter of blood or more and the bleeding is not yet controlled, you are witnessing a severe and potentially life-threatening bleed.

Common Symptoms: Bright red spurting blood, Dark red oozing blood, Significant amount of visible blood, Bleeding with an excessively high or low pulse, Fainting while bleeding, Dizziness while bleeding, Nausea while bleeding. Blunt trauma can cause internal bleeding and damage to underlying muscles, internal organs, and bones.

TYPES OF OPEN WOUNDS

Abrasion

Abrasions, also known as scrapes, are wounds that can be superficial or deep usually involving minimal bleeding. This type of wound is usually painful, but not severe. Even minor wounds like abrasions can become infected if not properly treated.

Amputation

Amputation is the removal of a limb. This type of wound is very painful, always severe and frequently leads to shock.

Avulsion

Avulsions are wounds where skin has been torn from the body during an accident or injury. This type of wound is usually painful, but rarely severe.

Laceration

Lacerations are wounds characterized by a deep cut or tearing of soft tissue. This type of wound is sometimes severe. Lacerations can expose underlying tissue, increasing the risk of infection.

Puncture

Punctures are wounds characterized by a deep penetration of soft tissue. This type of wound is frequently severe. A rescuer should not remove a deeply punctured object from an injured person. Puncture wounds are a type of penetrating wound that can lead to internal infections and should be treated promptly.

*Special Note - Infected wounds can lead to serious complications such as cellulitis, osteomyelitis, sepsis, and necrotizing fasciitis. Signs of infected wounds include soreness, redness, oozing, and pus. Chronic, non-healing wounds often share similarities with infected wounds and require careful management to prevent further complications.