Arterial bleeding is a severe medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Rapid blood loss from a damaged artery poses a significant threat to life. Knowing how to react swiftly and effectively can make a profound difference in outcomes.
Identifying Arterial Bleeding
Recognizing arterial bleeding is crucial. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart under high pressure. This high pressure gives arterial bleeding distinct characteristics.
The blood from an arterial injury appears bright red due to its high oxygen content. It typically spurts or pulsates from the wound, often in rhythm with the heartbeat, reflecting the force of the heart’s pumping action. In contrast, venous bleeding, which comes from veins carrying deoxygenated blood back to the heart, is darker red and flows in a steady stream, while capillary bleeding typically oozes.
Applying Direct Pressure and Elevation
Once arterial bleeding is identified, immediately apply direct pressure to the wound. This action helps to compress damaged blood vessels, promoting clotting and reducing blood loss. Cover the wound with a clean cloth, sterile gauze, or any available clean material.
Apply firm, continuous pressure directly onto the wound with the palm of your hand. Maintain this pressure without interruption. If the initial material becomes soaked with blood, do not remove it; instead, place additional layers on top and continue to apply firm pressure.
For injuries to an arm or leg, elevating the injured limb above the level of the heart can also help reduce blood flow to the wound. This uses gravity to decrease the hydrostatic pressure in the affected area, making it easier for direct pressure to control the bleeding. Sustain continuous pressure until professional medical help arrives.
Using a Tourniquet
When direct pressure and elevation are insufficient to control severe, life-threatening arterial bleeding, particularly on a limb, a tourniquet becomes a necessary intervention. A tourniquet works by constricting blood flow to the injured limb, preventing catastrophic blood loss. This measure is typically reserved for situations where bleeding is profuse, spurting, or cannot be stopped by other means.
To apply a tourniquet correctly, place it two to three inches above the wound, between the injury and the heart, ensuring it is not placed directly on a joint. Tighten the tourniquet as much as possible until the bleeding stops or is significantly reduced, noting that this will be painful for the injured person. Once applied, do not loosen or remove the tourniquet, as this can cause further complications.
While commercial tourniquets are designed for optimal effectiveness, an improvised tourniquet can be used as a last resort if no commercial device is available. An improvised tourniquet generally consists of a wide, strong material like a scarf or cloth, and a sturdy object (a “windlass”) used to twist and tighten the material, securing it in place. Regardless of the type, always note the time the tourniquet was applied, ideally by writing it on the person’s forehead or the tourniquet itself, to inform arriving medical personnel.
Seeking Immediate Medical Help
First aid for arterial bleeding is a temporary measure to stabilize the injured person until professional medical care arrives. Immediately after initiating first aid, call emergency services (such as 911 in the United States). Provide clear and concise information about the incident, the injured person’s condition, and the first aid steps being taken.
While waiting for paramedics to arrive, keep the injured person as still and calm as possible. Continue to maintain continuous direct pressure on the wound or ensure the tourniquet remains properly applied and tight. Under no circumstances should the applied pressure or the tourniquet be released, as this could lead to renewed severe bleeding and a rapid decline in the person’s condition. Medical professionals are equipped to manage the transition of care and address any potential complications.