Providing first aid for venous bleeding point by point, ways to stop it

Loss of blood is a very dangerous phenomenon that can lead to death in a short time. Without the timely provision of specialized care, the chances of survival with major blood loss are lost every minute. This necessitates the need to have basic first aid skills that can save a person. In this article we will pay attention to venous bleeding, its features, and first aid techniques.

Stopping venous bleeding is one of the most important first aid skills, as damage to large vessels can lead to massive blood loss and death in a matter of minutes.

Specifics and signs of venous bleeding

Veins are a network of vessels that move blood from internal organs to the heart muscle.
Signs of bleeding that occurs due to mechanical damage to the veins are: - dark - brown color of blood (unsaturated with oxygen, unlike cases of arterial bleeding) - smooth, non-pulsating flow - pallor and lethargy of the injured person Venous bleeding can be determined by pressing on the vein near the bleeding wound - with venous bleeding, blood loss will be sharply reduced. Depending on the location of the wound, the nature of first aid varies somewhat, therefore, having identified the source of bleeding, it is necessary to quickly implement an algorithm for providing assistance. Basic rules for providing first aid step by step, ways to stop

First aid for arterial bleeding

02.04.2020

First aid for arterial bleeding

Bleeding is the flow of blood from blood vessels into organs, tissues, natural cavities of the body or out. The most dangerous to human life and health is external arterial bleeding from the great vessels. His life often depends on the correctness and speed of providing first aid to the victim.

Arterial bleeding is characterized by the rapid flow of bright scarlet blood, which usually comes from the wound in a stream or in spurts. Unlike arterial bleeding, bleeding from a vein is characterized by a slow flow of dark venous blood; pulsation of the stream is not typical.

The first and most accessible method of temporarily stopping bleeding is digital pressure of the large arterial trunk to the underlying bone. This method is easily applicable for self- and mutual help. On the extremities the vessels are pressed above the wound, on the neck and head - below the wound.

Another effective method of temporarily stopping arterial bleeding in case of damage to the vessels of the extremities is maximum flexion in the overlying joint. For example, as shown in the figure below, if there is a wound in the forearm area, the victim needs to place a tight roller made of available fabric (clothing) into the elbow fossa and fix the joint in a maximally bent position with a waist belt or strip of material. To stop bleeding on the lower leg, the leg is bent at the knee joint as much as possible; in case of bleeding at the thigh level, the limb is bent at the hip joint.

However, the most effective means of stopping massive arterial bleeding in the limbs is the application of a rubber tourniquet. If you don’t have a tourniquet, you can use the means at hand and stop the bleeding with a twist tourniquet (you will need a strip of fabric, a stick no longer than a standard pencil, and an additional strip of fabric).

Rules for applying a tourniquet (twisting):

Bleeding is temporarily stopped by digital pressure on the vessel.
The tourniquet is applied closer to the wound; a pad of clothing or soft tissue (without folds) is placed on the skin at the site where the tourniquet is applied. Do not apply a tourniquet in the area of the middle third of the shoulder and the upper third of the leg (squeezing tissue in this area can lead to irreversible damage to the underlying nerve trunks).
To ensure the outflow of venous blood, the limb is raised by 20-30 cm
The tourniquet is grabbed with the right hand at the edge of the left - 30-40 cm closer to the middle
The tourniquet is stretched by hand and the first circular round is applied so that the initial section of the tourniquet is covered by the next round.
The correct application of the tourniquet is monitored by the cessation of bleeding from the wound, disappearance of the pulse, sunken veins, and pallor of the skin.
Without stretching, apply subsequent rounds of the tourniquet to the limb in a spiral and fix it.
When applying a twist, stretch and apply the fabric to the limb; leave its initial end free. Make several strokes of the fabric (on the shoulder 2-3, on the hip 3-4), applying it under tension, making sure that the fabric is straightened, without lumps or unevenness. Tie the ends of the fabric. Insert a stick under the knot and tighten the bandage until the bleeding stops. Tie a second strip of fabric above the twist and tuck the free end of the stick under it.
A note is attached to the tourniquet or clothing of the victim indicating the date and time (hours and minutes) of application.
the tourniquet is not bandaged - it must be clearly visible
in winter, the limb with a tourniquet applied is well insulated.

The time for bleeding a limb is limited to 2 hours in summer and 1 hour in winter.

Surgeon S.A. Kuzmich, State Healthcare Institution "City Clinic No. 4 of Grodno"

Contacts:

phone: 55-90-01

website:

Basic rules for providing first aid step by step, ways to stop

Generally accepted actions when venous bleeding is detected are as follows:

The sections of the vein above and below the injury site must be clamped as close to the bone as possible. To clamp the vein, a tourniquet, thick fabric and similar improvised means are used; in the absence of means, clamping is done with the fingers.
The wound must be covered with cotton wool or a piece of fabric - this will prevent air bubbles from entering the vein and prevent further development of air embolism.
If possible, it is necessary to apply ice or any cold object to the wound site that helps slow down the flow of blood circulation.
Calling an ambulance or any action to hospitalize the victim as quickly as possible. Specific algorithms for providing assistance

In addition to the general rules for providing assistance with venous bleeding, there are some specific rules that apply depending on the location of the vein damage. Damage to the distal segments located at a distance from the body poses less danger than bleeding from the proximal areas. Measures for bleeding from distal segments (hands and feet, forearm) are as follows: - Pressing the vein with your fingers, in the area below the wound - The damaged limb must be raised above the level of other limbs - The open wound must be clamped with a cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide - If possible, it is necessary to apply a compressive fabric bandage. Measures to stop bleeding from the proximal area (thigh, shoulder): - The damaged area must be elevated - Application of a pressure bandage necessary to reduce the flow of bleeding - Mandatory application of a tourniquet - When visually stopping the bleeding, the tourniquet is removed, the wound is tamponed, and a pressure bandage is applied again.

A way to stop venous bleeding is to apply a tourniquet

Maximum fixed limb flexion

In some cases, you can use maximum flexion of the limbs as a method of temporarily stopping bleeding from the artery. It should be performed after making sure that the victim does not have a fracture of the injured limb.

A thick pad should be placed at the bend of the limb (popliteal, elbow and groin areas) to compress the damaged artery at maximum flexion

After inserting the roller, the bent arm or leg is fixed to the patient’s body. Such actions are aimed at temporarily stopping bleeding, and if they are ineffective, one should prepare to apply an arterial tourniquet. This same technique, even when performed correctly, has questionable effectiveness.

A way to stop venous bleeding is to apply a tourniquet

Half the success of the fight against venous bleeding depends on the correct application of the tourniquet. Therefore, you should know how this measure of medical care is carried out.

The tourniquet should be applied below the injury site, as close as possible to the wound itself.
It is necessary to place a piece of bandage or fabric under the applied tourniquet to prevent damage to the skin.
The tourniquet is applied by quickly wrapping the limb and tightening
The exposure time of the tourniquet cannot exceed 1.5 hours, therefore, immediately after stopping the bleeding, the victim should be hospitalized as quickly as possible.

Bleeding in the veins of the neck

Types of bleeding

Experts distinguish two groups of bleeding: according to the type of vascular damage and according to external signs.

The first group includes the following bleeding:

Arterial. The most dangerous type of bleeding because a large amount of blood can be lost in a short time.

Venous bleeding. It is characterized by a lower rate of hemorrhage. Less dangerous than the previous type, however, if the vessels of the neck are damaged, death may occur due to the possible absorption of air.

Capillary bleeding. It can often be observed with minor injuries such as abrasions, cuts and scrapes. It is characterized by slight bleeding, which does not pose any threat to life.

Mixed bleeding. This type is characterized by the presence of signs of both arterial, venous and capillary hemorrhage. For example, mixed bleeding can be observed when a limb is torn off. It is very dangerous because there is arterial bleeding.

Based on external signs, bleeding is divided into the following:

External. With it, as a rule, skin damage of varying degrees is observed.
Internal. May be due to blunt trauma to various parts of the body, such as the chest and abdomen. In such situations, damage to human internal organs occurs. The main signs that indicate internal bleeding are weakness, thirst, dizziness, loss of consciousness, nausea, sometimes vomiting, skin changes, and low blood pressure.

Bleeding in the veins of the neck

Why is damage to the veins in the neck dangerous?

Without professional skills, it is impossible to apply a bandage without causing suffocation in the victim;
vessels in the neck area are large in diameter, their injuries cause profuse and rapid blood loss, so first aid must be provided as quickly as possible;
Air can be sucked into the lumen of a large vessel, resulting in the formation of an air plug (embolism), which can cause death.

How to stop bleeding if your neck is injured:

Lay the person down so as to provide easy access to the wound.
If possible, apply a cotton or gauze cloth folded several times and soaked in antiseptic (hydrogen peroxide) to the wound.
Press the area above and below the injury with three fingers (ring, middle and index) of both hands folded together.

You can consider that you have achieved results if the bleeding has stopped or greatly weakened, but the pulsation of deep vessels is felt under your fingers.

Nose bleed

Signs of bleeding

Each type of pathology has a number of its own symptoms that characterize it. However, there are common signs of blood loss. Among them:

weakness, increased drowsiness;
feeling of thirst;
dizziness;
pallor of the skin, mucous membranes;
presence of cold sweat;
increased heart rate, feeling of lack of air;
decreased blood pressure;
weak but rapid pulse;
dyspnea;
disturbance of consciousness, and sometimes loss.

To correctly interpret the nature of the bleeding, you should take a close look at it. After all, it is precisely by such manifestations that the type of damaged vessel is determined.

Capillary bleeding is characterized by large drops oozing from the wound over the entire surface. Losses are usually small. The blood is red.
Venous bleeding expires much faster. Especially if a large vessel is injured. Blood flows down in streaks. Moreover, its color is dark red, and sometimes even burgundy. Intermittent bleeding may occur. However, pulsation is not characteristic of such a pathology.
Arterial bleeding. Outflow from the wound occurs in pulsating impulses. Sometimes it resembles a fountain. The rhythm and frequency completely repeat the pulse and heartbeats. The blood is bright scarlet. At the same time, losses are quite fast and significant. These are the main signs of arterial bleeding. They allow you to visually determine the nature of the damage.

Nose bleed

A strong flow of blood from the nose is stopped in this way:

the victim must sit down so that blood can flow freely from the nose: tilting his head down slightly;
to stop the bleeding, you need to clamp the damaged vessels by pressing on the wings of the nose on both sides for 5 minutes (if the cause is not a fracture);
any cold object is applied to the bridge of the nose: a wet handkerchief, ice, snow;
if the blood cannot be stopped within 15 minutes, turundas from a rolled-up bandage are inserted into both nostrils;
It is strictly forbidden to throw back your head, suck in blood through your nose, or swallow it: vomiting may occur.

AGAIN POINT BY POINT

It is necessary to find the location of the damage.
Raise and secure the limb.
There is no time to clean and disinfect the wound if there is heavy blood loss - it is important to stop it, so ask the victim to press the vein with his hand below the injury site or do it yourself.
A pressure bandage is applied below the cut or puncture site and can be made from any dressing material that is at hand: a bandage, a piece of clean cotton fabric, a handkerchief.
Before you start bandaging, you need to place a cloth folded several times below the cut site, this way, when applying a bandage, you will achieve the necessary pressure on the lumen of the damaged vessels to reduce bleeding.
The bandage should be made several times around the limb, starting from a thinner place. A positive result of first aid for venous bleeding is if the bleeding has stopped and the pulse can be felt below the bandage. This means that you managed to reduce the lumen of the blood vessels, but did not disrupt the blood supply.
The victim must be taken to the hospital within 2 hours (in winter this period is halved) since an incorrectly applied, too tight bandage can cause tissue necrosis.

When small venous vessels are damaged, spontaneous formation of a blood clot occurs, and the bleeding stops on its own or after applying a pressure bandage. The blood loss in this case is small and is usually not life threatening. However, only a doctor can give a general assessment of the victim’s condition.

In case of damage to medium and large veins (jugular, subclavian and femoral), a favorable prognosis depends on timely assistance. Blood loss in a short time (30 to 50 minutes) can be fatal. A serious complication is the filling of the bed with an air plug (the vein fills with air during inhalation, when negative pressure is formed in it), which can lead to death from embolism earlier than from blood loss.

When providing first aid successfully, you need to remember that it is possible to finally stop bleeding from damaged vessels only in a medical institution.

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is bleeding associated with dysfunction of organs, in the absence of any organic pathology (uterine fibroids, internal endometriosis, pathology of the cervix, tumors of the uterus and ovaries).

Ovarian dysfunction is caused by a violation of their hormonal function and occurs quite often. Many women take this disease lightly and do not see it as a direct threat to health. In addition, there is a very common opinion that dysfunction is just a minor malfunction of the body, with which you can live safely, but it is useless to treat it. This approach is fundamentally wrong. Firstly, ovarian dysfunction may be a manifestation of some deep hormonal imbalances that require certain correction. Not to mention that it is unlikely that you will be able to “live well,” because dysfunction is almost always accompanied by physical and moral discomfort and pain. A woman is forced to constantly use analgesics, the body gradually gets used to them, the pain intensifies again... It turns out to be a vicious circle.

The main symptom of dysfunctional bleeding is irregular menstrual cycle. The reason to consult a doctor is when the interval between menstruation is less than 21 days and more than 35 days. It is also not considered normal if:

menstruation lasts more than 7 days;
menstrual bleeding is very heavy, a woman is forced to change pads or tampons every hour, including at night;
Menstruation is accompanied by severe nagging pain in the lower abdomen.

If such symptoms recur over three or more menstrual cycles, then you need to visit a doctor as soon as possible.

Endocrine causes are not always the cause of dysfunction. The functioning of the ovaries can also be affected by factors such as:

overweight or underweight;
diabetes;
frequent stress and depression;
infectious diseases (flu, pneumonia, sore throat);
strict diet and fasting;
genital infection;
sudden climate change.

Therefore, when going to see a doctor, be prepared that he will ask you questions about your diet, nervous stress, previous diseases and changes in the climatic environment.

Diagnosis of ovarian dysfunction includes a gynecological examination, smear analysis, blood test for hormones, ultrasound of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and pelvic organs. The doctor may also prescribe magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and separate diagnostic curettage of the uterus.

Treatment is selected individually in each case. First of all, it is aimed at normalizing hormonal levels and correcting lifestyle. In any case, the doctor tries to choose the most gentle therapy. In cases where adolescents or premenopausal women suffer from dysfunction, it is often enough to reduce the level of tension, review the diet and allocate time for active rest and good sleep. The body reacts sensitively to changes that are favorable to it and successfully self-regulates without drug treatment.