Blood loss from cuts and scrapes ranges from minor annoyances to serious, life-threatening injuries. Knowing the correct immediate steps can significantly reduce blood loss, prevent infection, and improve the outcome for the injured person. A calm, prepared response is the first line of defense in managing any bleeding wound, focusing on controlling blood flow until medical help can be sought. This guide provides practical steps for managing external bleeding, starting with immediate safety and progressing through direct pressure application and follow-up care.
Initial Assessment and Preparation
Before touching the wound, prioritize your own safety and that of the injured person. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if a sink is unavailable, to prevent introducing bacteria. If disposable gloves are accessible, put them on as a protective barrier against bloodborne pathogens.
Quickly assess the injury to determine its size, depth, and the rate of bleeding. Help the injured person lie down, which can reduce the risk of fainting and help manage potential shock. Examine the wound for debris, gently brushing away any loose dirt or foreign particles from the surface. Do not attempt to remove any large or deeply embedded objects, as this could trigger more severe bleeding.
Applying Direct Pressure to Control Bleeding
The most effective method for controlling external bleeding is the application of direct pressure over the injury site. Use a clean, absorbent material, such as a sterile gauze pad, a clean cloth, or even a piece of clothing, to cover the entire wound. Press down firmly and continuously with the palm of your hand or a clean dressing, aiming to compress the damaged blood vessels.
Sustained pressure is far more effective than intermittent checks. Maintain this firm pressure for a minimum of five to ten minutes without lifting the material to see if the bleeding has stopped. Removing the dressing prematurely can disrupt the natural clotting process forming under the pressure. If the wound is on a limb, elevate the injured area above the level of the heart to utilize gravity and help slow the blood flow.
Should blood soak completely through the initial layer of material, do not remove it, as this may pull away the forming clot. Instead, add new layers of gauze or cloth on top and continue to apply firm pressure without interruption. Once the bleeding has been controlled, secure the dressings firmly in place with a bandage or tape, wrapping over the applied materials. The pressure should be firm enough to maintain control but not so tight that it cuts off circulation to the rest of the limb.
Recognizing and Managing Severe Bleeds
Certain characteristics indicate a severe bleed that necessitates immediate professional medical attention. Call emergency services immediately if the blood is spurting (suggesting arterial involvement) or if the bleeding cannot be stopped despite 10 to 20 minutes of continuous, firm pressure. Emergency care is also required for large, deep, or gaping wounds, injuries to the head, chest, or abdomen, and wounds containing deeply embedded foreign objects.
A tourniquet is designed to stop life-threatening bleeding from a limb when direct pressure alone is unsuccessful. This intervention is reserved for catastrophic limb bleeds where the person’s life is at risk due to rapid blood loss. If a commercially made tourniquet is available and you are trained, apply it high on the limb, above the wound, and tighten it until the bleeding completely stops. Note the time the tourniquet was applied, as this information is important for medical personnel.
Wound Cleaning and Follow-Up Care
After the bleeding has fully stopped, gently clean the wound to prevent infection. Rinse the cut or scrape under cool, running tap water for several minutes to flush out any remaining dirt or debris. Use mild soap to clean the skin surrounding the injury, but avoid getting soap directly inside the wound, as this can cause irritation.
Avoid common household antiseptics like hydrogen peroxide or iodine, as these can damage healthy tissue and delay healing. After cleaning, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to the wound surface to reduce the risk of bacterial infection. Cover the injury with a sterile bandage or dressing to keep it clean and protected from contamination. Change the bandage daily, or whenever it becomes wet or dirty, and monitor the wound closely. Seek medical advice if you notice signs of infection, such as:
- Increasing pain.
- Swelling.
- Warmth.
- Expanding redness around the wound.
- The presence of pus.