Arterial bleeding is a severe medical emergency. This type of bleeding originates from an artery, which carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart. Its high pressure can lead to rapid, substantial blood loss, posing an immediate threat to life. This guide provides actionable steps for controlling arterial bleeding before professional medical help arrives.
Recognizing Arterial Bleeding
Arterial blood is typically bright red due to its high oxygen content. It often spurts or pulsates rhythmically, synchronized with the person’s heartbeat. This forceful, intermittent flow signals the high pressure at which blood is being pumped from the heart. Rapid, profuse blood loss can quickly lead to symptoms of shock, including pale skin, a rapid pulse, and confusion.
Initial Emergency Actions
Before addressing the wound, assess the immediate environment for any hazards. If the scene is not safe, move the person to a secure location if possible. Wear personal protective equipment, such as gloves, if available to prevent potential infection.
Contact emergency medical services immediately. Dial 911 or the local emergency number. Provide clear and concise information regarding the situation and precise location to the dispatcher. While waiting for help to arrive, have the injured person lie down, which can help prevent fainting and improve blood flow to vital organs.
Applying Direct Pressure
Direct pressure is the most immediate and generally effective method for controlling arterial bleeding. This technique aims to compress the injured artery against underlying bone or tissue, thereby restricting blood flow. To apply direct pressure, place a clean cloth, such as sterile gauze, a towel, or even a piece of clothing, directly over the wound. If no material is available, bare hands can be used.
Apply firm, continuous pressure directly onto the wound, without interruption. Do not lift the material to check the wound, as this can disrupt clot formation and restart bleeding. If blood soaks through the initial material, place additional layers directly on top without removing the original dressing.
Elevating the injured limb above the heart, if feasible and not causing further injury, can also help reduce blood flow to the area. If available, a pressure bandage can be wrapped firmly over the dressing to maintain consistent pressure, allowing the rescuer to attend to other needs or continue monitoring.
When and How to Use a Tourniquet
A tourniquet is a life-saving device used for severe arterial bleeding when direct pressure alone is insufficient or impractical. It should be considered for life-threatening hemorrhage, especially in cases of amputation or when direct pressure has failed to stop the bleeding. The tourniquet is designed to constrict blood flow to the limb entirely, and its application can be painful but is necessary to prevent significant blood loss.
For proper application, the tourniquet should be placed high and tight on the injured limb, typically two to three inches above the wound, and positioned between the wound and the heart. It is important to avoid placing it directly over a joint. The device should be tightened by twisting the windlass mechanism until the bleeding completely stops. Once tightened, the windlass should be secured to prevent it from unwinding.
It is also critical to note the time of application, preferably by writing it on the tourniquet itself or on the person’s forehead, for medical professionals. Tourniquets are for limb injuries only and should not be used on the torso, neck, or head. Once applied and effectively tightened, a tourniquet should not be loosened or removed by a layperson, as this can cause additional harm or re-initiate severe bleeding; removal should only be performed by medical professionals.
Post-Control Care and Professional Help
After successfully controlling arterial bleeding, continued care for the injured person is important until emergency medical services arrive. The wound and the effectiveness of the applied pressure or tourniquet should be continuously monitored. If bleeding resumes or soaks through additional layers, further pressure or a second tourniquet above the first may be necessary.
It is also important to observe the person for signs of shock, which can develop rapidly due to significant blood loss. Symptoms of shock include pale skin, a rapid pulse, rapid breathing, and confusion. Keeping the person warm by covering them with a blanket can help manage shock.
Even if the bleeding appears to be fully controlled, professional medical evaluation and treatment are always necessary. The underlying injury requires thorough assessment and care to prevent complications and ensure a full recovery.