BLEEDING

TYPES OF BLEEDING

Bleeding occurs when blood vessels are cut or damaged, allowing the blood to escape into the tissues or out on to the skin. There are three main types of blood vessel, each giving a different pattern of bleeding.

Arteries: carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart and towards the tissues under great pressure. Arterial bleeding will be bright red, the color of oxygenated blood, and may spurt out of a wound.

Veins: carry blood away from the tissues and back to the heart. Venous blood has had much of its oxygen removed and so is a darker red. It does not pump out of a cut, but there may still be a large quantity.

Capillaries: the tiny vessels that carry blood through the tissues. Damage to these will cause oozing rather than profuse bleeding.

First aid for minor bleeding

Minor cuts and scrapes are an inevitable part of childhood. Reassurance and simple first aid are usually enough to cope with the situation.

Wash your hands with soap and water before tending the wound.
Clean the wound with plenty of tepid water.
Dry the wound by patting with a clean swab and then place a fresh dressing over the damaged area.
Raise the wound up above the level of the heart if possible, supporting the affected limb.
Apply a plaster or a dressing pad secured by a bandage.
You may want to keep your child sitting quietly for a while before he goes back to play.

When giving first aid, always explain to your child beforehand what you are going to do - this will help her to remain calm.

When to seek medical help

Most cases of minor bleeding can be treated at home. It is important, though, to recognize when further help is needed. Seek medical attention when:

Bleeding is severe, or there is a large wound.
You suspect that there may be internal bleeding.
There is bleeding of the scalp following a blow to the head.
An object is sticking into or embedded in the wound.
A minor wound or nosebleed will not stop bleeding
The wound shows signs of infection, such as redness, swelling or pus formation.

First aid for serious bleeding

Serious bleeding can be very frightening, but try to remain calm as your child will be looking to you for the reassurance she needs. Your main aim should be to stop the bleeding before too much blood is lost, so you will need to act quickly.

Expose the wound by removing clothing and check whether foreign objects, such as glass, are embedded in it. If a foreign object is present, try pressing both sides of the wound. Raise the injured limb above your child's heart and apply pressure over the wound with your hand, using a clean dressing or cloth. This should stop bleeding.

Continue to apply pressure while supporting the limb up above the heart, preferably with your child lying down. If there has been a lot of bleeding, you must lay your child down to minimize shock. Arterial bleeding (with bright red, spurting blood) will need at least 10 minutes of firm pressure.

Apply a pressure bandage. leaving the original pad where it is, cover it with a sterile dressing and secure it in place with a firm bandage. If the blood soaks through, apply another dressing and bandage on top.

While trying to control the bleeding, it is important to seek medical attention, calling 999 for an ambulance if necessary.

Aftercare

Looking after a wound means keeping it clean, dry and protected. To care for a wound:

Change the dressing daily, using a clean or sterile dressing pad and a clean bandage if possible.
Look for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling pus or increased tenderness.
Do not disturb any scab that is forming, as this is the body's way of healing.
Protect wounds by limiting your child's activities.
Take your child to the doctor if a wound shows any sign of infection.

Dealing with an infected wound

A wound should begin to heal in 48 hours but cannot do so if it is infected. Any break in the skin can lead to infection by micro-organisms, especially if the wound has dirt in it. An infected wound may become hot, red, painful and swollen and pus may form. To reduce the chances of infection:

Clean the wound well with plenty of water when the injury first happens antiseptic may help.
Change the dressing regularly, being careful to wash your hands before and afterwards.
Make sure your child completes the full course of any antibiotics that the doctor prescribes, even if the wound begins to heal well.
Keep an infected wound well covered and do not allow your child or anyone else to touch it.
Make sure your child is fully inoculated - if he is, he will be safe from tetanus, a serious infection that can spread from a dirty wound.

For More Information: Please consult your physician on your next visit.

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