Venous bleeding is characterized by a steady flow of dark red blood, which differs from the bright red, spurting blood seen with arterial injuries. It typically originates from veins, which carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart under lower pressure compared to arteries. Prompt and effective action is important to manage the bleeding.
Immediate Steps to Stop Bleeding
Apply firm pressure to the wound. Use a clean cloth, sterile bandage, or any clean material available to cover the injured area. Maintain steady, direct pressure on the wound for at least 5 to 10 minutes without interruption. Resist the urge to lift the material to check the bleeding, as this can disrupt the clotting process. If the initial material becomes soaked with blood, place additional layers directly on top without removing the first ones and continue applying pressure.
Elevating the injured body part above the level of the heart, if practical, can further assist in reducing blood flow to the area. Gravity works to your advantage, helping to slow the bleeding and making it easier to control. Once the bleeding has completely stopped, carefully remove the pressure and proceed with cleaning the wound.
Before cleaning, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Gently rinse the wound with clean, running tap water or bottled water to remove dirt. Clean the skin surrounding the wound with mild soap and water, taking care to keep soap out of the wound itself, as it can cause irritation. Avoid using harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or iodine directly on the wound, as these can damage healthy tissue and slow the healing process. After cleaning, cover the wound with a sterile dressing or bandage for protection.
When Professional Medical Help is Needed
While many venous bleeds can be managed at home, certain situations require immediate medical attention. Seek professional help if the bleeding does not stop after 10 to 15 minutes of continuous, direct pressure. This persistence can indicate a deeper or more significant injury. Medical care is also necessary for wounds that are deep, large, or have jagged edges, especially if fat, muscle, or bone is visible.
If the wound appears to involve underlying nerves, tendons, or joints, professional evaluation is important. If the injured person shows signs of shock, such as feeling faint, becoming pale, or losing consciousness, emergency medical services should be contacted immediately. Arterial bleeding, characterized by bright red blood spurting rhythmically with the heartbeat, is a medical emergency and always requires immediate professional intervention.
Aftercare and Common Mistakes to Avoid
Once venous bleeding has stopped and the initial first aid is complete, proper aftercare is important for healing. Keep the wound clean and dry, and change the dressing daily or whenever it becomes wet or dirty. Regularly monitor the wound for signs of infection, including increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or pain around the wound site, the presence of pus or cloudy discharge, a foul odor, or systemic symptoms like fever and chills.
Avoid these common mistakes that can hinder healing or cause further harm. Do not remove the initial dressing too soon, especially if it’s soaked with blood, as this can disrupt the clot that is forming and restart the bleeding. Picking at scabs is a common error; scabs protect the healing tissue underneath, and removing them can delay healing and potentially lead to scarring. For a simple venous bleed, applying a tourniquet is generally not necessary and can cause more harm than good. Lastly, consistently changing dressings too infrequently or too often can negatively impact healing by either allowing bacterial buildup or disrupting the delicate new tissue.