Dealing with Deadly Bleeds: A Guide for Standard First Aiders

As a standard first aider, it's important to be prepared to deal with all kinds of emergencies, including deadly bleeds. A deadly bleed, also known as a hemorrhage, is a type of bleeding that is severe enough to threaten a person's life. In this blog post, we'll discuss what makes a bleed deadly, what different types of bleeds look like, and what our treatment options are. We'll also explore the physiology and biology behind what produces the most life-threatening bleeds.

A person in first aid gear is holding a clean, white cloth over a bleeding wound on another person's arm while exerting pressure.

What makes a bleed deadly?

A deadly bleed is usually caused by a significant loss of blood from a major artery or vein. This loss of blood can lead to a drop in blood pressure and, if left untreated, can ultimately result in shock and death. There are several types of bleeds that can be life-threatening, including arterial bleeds, venous bleeds, and internal bleeds.

Arterial bleeds:

Arterial bleeds are the most life-threatening type of bleed because they involve the loss of blood from an artery. Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body, and a significant loss of blood from an artery can lead to a lack of oxygen in the body's tissues. This can cause damage to vital organs and tissues, and can ultimately result in shock and death. Arterial bleeds are characterized by bright red blood that spurts out of the wound in time with the person's heartbeat. The high pressure of blood flowing from an artery means that a significant amount of blood can be lost quickly, leading to rapid blood loss.

Venous bleeds:

Venous bleeds, on the other hand, involve the loss of blood from a vein. Veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart, and a significant loss of blood from a vein can lead to a buildup of carbon dioxide in the body's tissues. This can cause tissue damage and can also lead to shock if the bleeding is not controlled quickly. Venous bleeds have a slower flow of dark red blood compared to arterial bleeds, and the bleeding is usually easier to control than an arterial bleed.

Internal bleeds:

Internal bleeds occur inside the body and may not be visible externally. These types of bleeds can be caused by trauma or medical conditions, and can be life-threatening if left untreated. Internal bleeds can lead to organ damage and shock, and symptoms may include pain, swelling, and bruising. Treatment for internal bleeds may involve surgery or other medical interventions, and it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect someone has an internal bleed.

What do different types of bleeds look like?

Arterial bleeds are characterized by bright red blood that spurts out of the wound in time with the person's heartbeat. Venous bleeds, on the other hand, have a slower flow of dark red blood. Internal bleeds, which occur inside the body, may present as bruising or not be visible externally.

What are our treatment options?

If you encounter a deadly bleed, it's important to act quickly to control the bleeding and prevent further loss of blood. The first step is to apply pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or bandage. If the wound is on an arm or leg, you can also elevate the limb above the level of the heart to help slow the bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure, a tourniquet may be necessary to stop the blood flow completely. However, tourniquets should only be used as a last resort, as they can cause damage to the tissue and lead to amputation.

Biology of deadly bleeds

The most life-threatening bleeds are those that involve major arteries, such as the femoral artery in the thigh or the carotid artery in the neck. Arteries are under high pressure, which means that a significant loss of blood from an artery can lead to a rapid drop in blood pressure and shock. In addition, the body's clotting system may not be able to keep up with the rapid loss of blood from an arterial bleed.

Personal Protective Equipment

It's important for standard first aiders to have the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when dealing with bleeding emergencies. PPE can include gloves, masks, and eye protection, and is essential for protecting yourself from exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis B and C. It's important to wear PPE whenever you are in contact with blood or bodily fluids to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. In addition to protecting yourself, wearing PPE also helps prevent the spread of infections to others who may be in the vicinity of the bleeding person. By using the appropriate PPE, standard first aiders can provide care in a safe and effective manner.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as a standard first aider, it's important to be prepared to deal with deadly bleeds. Understanding what makes a bleed life-threatening, what different types of bleeds look like, and how to treat them can help you provide top-notch care in an emergency situation. Remember to act quickly to control the bleeding and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Training

At Delta Emergency Support Training, we understand the importance of being prepared for emergency situation. We offer a range of training sessions to help individuals and classes develop the skills and knowledge they need to respond to emergency situations. Our courses include Standard First Aid (SFA), Advanced First Aid (AFA), and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), and we offer in-person, hybrid, and online options to suit different needs.

If you have any questions about our training sessions or deadly bleeds, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@deltaemergency.com and we'll be happy to assist you.