BLEEDING
Internal
Bleeding is most likely to
occur in the stomach, lungs, or bowels. Blood from the lungs is coughed up; from
the stomach vomited; from the bowels it appears in the stools. With
internal bleeding, signs of restlessness, weakness, pallor, thirst and a faint,
rapid pulse are usually present.
In an accident where internal
bleeding may have occurred, contact a doctor as soon as possible. While
you wait, keep the patient quiet, comfortably warm, and lying flat. Give
him nothing to drink—not even water.
When moving injured person to advanced medical facilities, only transport (if
possible) in a laying position.
External
Place a pressure dressing
(several layers of sterile gauze) over the wound. Secure it in place
firmly enough to stop the bleeding or hold it in place with firm hand pressure.
Whenever possible, elevate the wound.
If no sterile bandages are
available, use a thick pad of the cleanest cloth on hand. Sheets, towels,
handkerchiefs or other freshly laundered clothing can be used if nothing
better is available. In a serious emergency, when severe bleeding is
encountered, do not hesitate to apply direct pressure with your bare hand,
unless better methods are available.
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(c) 2009-20010 Boy Scout Troop 10, Texas
