First Aid for Severe Bleeding Certification Manual: Recognizing Types of Bleeding

EXTERNAL BLEEDING

External bleeding is any time blood has exited the body through a wound. An example of external bleeding is a cut that is visibly bleeding. To control external bleeding, it is important to apply direct pressure using a clean pad or dressing and avoid lifting the dressing to check if the bleeding has stopped.

INTERNAL BLEEDING

Internal bleeding is any time a victim is bleeding inside his/her body, but it cannot be seen. A minor example of internal bleeding is a bruise. If you suspect internal bleeding, seek medical attention immediately as it can be life-threatening.

ARTERIAL BLEEDING

Arterial bleeding is caused by a damaged or cut artery, resulting in the loss of heavily oxygenated arterial blood. Arterial blood is bright red and shoots out with each heartbeat due to the high pressure in the arteries.

Appearance:  Bright red, Spurting movement with the heart beat

The high pressure in the arteries causes the blood to spurt several feet away from the body, making it difficult to control the blood flow.

Severity:  Critical. Arterial bleeding is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

CAPILLARY (SUPERFICIAL) BLEEDING

Capillary bleeding is surface level bleeding caused by damaged capillaries.

Appearance:  Red, Trickle movement that often clots and stops quickly

Severity:  Minor

VENOUS

Venous bleeding is caused by a damaged or cut vein, resulting in the loss of deoxygenated blood.

Appearance:  Dark red, Oozing movement with the heart beat

Veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart, and the lower pressure in veins causes the blood to ooze out steadily.

Severity:  Very

If venous bleeding is severe, seek medical treatment immediately to prevent further blood loss.