Minor vs. Severe Bleeding

Minor wounds from shaving, paper cuts, nosebleeds, or small cuts from knives can usually be handled with a bandage. The bleeding often stops quickly, as the blood platelets gather to small clots. If the bleeding is more moderate, the injury is more significant. Direct pressure should be placed on the area until the bleeding stops. Then, a special pressure bandage can be placed. If these methods do not slow and stop the bleeding, it could be a medical emergency.

Major bleeding injuries occur when large blood vessels are cut, torn, or otherwise damaged. These include severe injuries covering large parts of the body and lacerated arteries. Bleeding can also be internal. This can be even more serious, since it cannot always be seen or stopped.

Applying Pressure

The first rule of thumb when dealing with bleeding is to apply direct pressure. If this does not stop the bleeding, 911 must be called immediately. To apply pressure, the person helping must determine where the blood is coming from. If there is a first aid kit available, it is important to put on gloves and any other protective gear before proceeding. Gauze pads can be placed on the wounds, and pressure applied. If there is no first aid kit, the person should cover themselves as best they can, and use the cleanest materials available to apply the pressure. If the cloth becomes blood-soaked, more cloth can be added. The constant pressure should be kept up, even if the bleeding continues. It is never advisable to place direct pressure on debris that is in the wound, or on someone’s eye.

Other Ways to Help

An individual that has major bleeding should be helped to lie down and encouraged to stay calm. It is best to keep the person immobile. For leg and arm wounds though, the limb should be elevated, as this will slow down the blood flow to the area. If the wound is covered by clothing or anything else, this can be removed; objects in the wound should not be moved. A tourniquet can be helpful, but only if the person helping knows how to use one.

Helping a bleeding emergency victim can preserve their life, but taking on this responsibility should not be done at great personal risk. Good Samaritans should ensure that they are in a safe area; if not, it may be possible to carefully move the victim elsewhere. Calling 911 for medical assistance and applying direct pressure are the main ways to help bleeding victims. Those that offer help need to realize that time is of the essence when handling these emergencies.

Philadelphia Work Accident Lawyers at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. Represent Workers Injured on the Job

Call the Philadelphia work accident lawyers at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. if you need experienced legal representation for any work-related injuries, including bleeding emergencies. Call 888-PITT-LAW or complete an online contact form for a free consultation.

We proudly represent injured workers in Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County and throughout Pennsylvania, including those in the communities of Abington, Ambler, Ardmore, Bala Cynwyd, Bensalem, Clifton Heights, Crum Lynne, Darby, Downingtown, Doylestown, Drexel Hill, Essington, Folcroft, Glenolden, Haverford, Havertown, Holmes, Kutztown, Lansdowne, Media, Merion Station, Morton, Narberth, Norristown, Norwood, Philadelphia, Prospect Park, Quakertown, Reading, Roxborough, Sharon Hill, Upper Darby, West Chester and Wynnewood.