Continuously bleeding from an injured area or wound is external bleeding. First aid for external bleeding is very necessary for the life of the patient.
1. Use Protection for yourself.
Your safety should always come first before starting first aid. Check for any hazards before approaching the victim. Use gloves as a protective barrier for yourself. If you do not have gloves, then avoid direct contact with the victim’s blood. You should improvise a barrier to prevent direct contact with blood.
2. Identify the incident and Examine it.
Sit down the patient at a safe place. Reassure the patient and get their consent. Carefully expose the wound and check for dust or any other objects. Remove clothing that prevents examination of the wound. Examine the wound. If the injury is severe, then call an ambulance.
3. Use Direct Pressure to control external bleeding
When profuse bleeding occurs, you should need to act fast. Using your gloved hand, apply direct pressure to the injured area to control bleeding. If there is any object embedded in the wound try to pluck out it, apply pressure around it, and call for an ambulance. If the patient can do this, tell them to apply the direct pressure on his own. Remember that the victim might go into shock if lots of blood is lost.
4. Immobilize the wound
If possible, immobilize the wound to reduce bleeding flow. Continually monitor the wound and the injured area.
5. Clean Up wound
No matter how many precautions you take. There is still a risk that you have direct contact with the blood of the victim. Intact skin serves as a barrier. However, if you have breaks in your hand’s skin ensure they are covered. If you have come in contact with the victim’s blood, wash your hands with warm and soapy water. If the victim’s blood comes in contact with your open skin and eyes. Then wash them with water and seek medical assistance immediately.
6. Dressing the Wound
Pick the appropriate dressing according to the wound and wound place. Apply the dressing directly to the wound. Bandage around firmly. Make sure the dressing is not too tight to avoid cutting off blood circulation. If there is an object embedded in the wound first pluck out it. Then dress the wound and apply a pressure bandage around it. If blood seeps through the wound then apply another/second pad and bandage on top of the injury area. Do not remove the original padding and bandage from the wound. Call for an ambulance. for more about wounds.
Contaminated gloves, bandages, and dressings are a biological hazard. Always dispose of them accordingly.
☟ Disclaimer
The information and knowledge in this post are not a substitute for proper first-aid training.
Continuously external bleeding is dangerous for the victim.