Bleeding is one of the commonest causes of death in
accidents. It is caused by the rupture of blood vessels due to the severity of
the injury. The presence of blood over a
considerable area of the victim's body is not a reliable indication of the
amount of blood loss. The blood may be oozing from multiple small wounds or may
have been smeared, giving the appearance of serious loss of blood. The rate at
which blood is lost from a wound depends on the size and kind of blood vessel
ruptured. There are two types of bleeding: external bleeding which is obvious
and apparent and internal bleeding where the bleeding is not apparent at the
outset but may manifest itself later in the form of bleeding from the nose, ear,
lungs or stomach. A serious consequence of extensive bleeding is shock, which must
be considered as soon as the flow of blood has been checked.
Signs and Symptoms of Bleeding
The patient may feel faint and even collapse.
The skin becomes cold and clammy.
The pulse becomes rapid and weak.
Breathing becomes shallow and the patient may gasp for air and sigh
deeply.
Profuse sweating may occur.
Thirst may be prominent.
Identifying the source of bleeding
Bleeding may occur from the arteries, veins or capillaries or
from combinations of the three. It can be identified by the following
characteristics:
Bleeding from the arteries is bright red and comes out in jets or spurts,
which correspond to the beating of the heart. This kind of bleeding is very
dangerous and may cause death quickly.
Bleeding from the veins is dark in
color and often flows out in a
continuous stream.
Bleeding from capillaries is a steady, slow ooze. In an acute situation,
especially if on the surface of the body, it is less worrying than an
arterial or venous bleeding.
How to manage External Bleeding?
Bring the sides of the wound together and press firmly.
Place the patient in a comfortable position and raise the injured part (if
no bone fracture is suspected).
If you know the pressure points at the appropriate locations then press on
them firmly for 10-15 minutes. Figures below shows pressure points position
which could be used to stop/slow down the bleeding from arm & leg
injuries:
Apply a clean pad larger than the wound and press it firmly with the palm
until the bleeding lessens and finally stops.
Deeper cuts in veins produce dark blood that tends to seep out slowly and
steadily. Stop it by applying gentle pressure directly onto the wound
itself. Then cover it with a sterile or clean cloth (the inside of a
laundered handkerchief would do) and a bandage. This type of wound may need
to be stitched after your first aid treatment.
To stop arterial bleeding, apply firm pressure directly to the wound and
keep this up continually until medical help arrives. You can press with a
sterile cloth if you have one. If nothing is available, you must use your
hand. Arterial bleeding will need urgent treatment from a doctor.
If the bleeding continues, do not remove the original dressing but add
more pads.
Shift the patient to a hospital as soon as possible.
How to manage Internal Bleeding?
Lay the patient down with the head low. Raise his legs using pillows.
Keep the patient calm and relaxed with reassurance. Do not allow the
patient to move.
Maintain the body heat with blankets, rugs or coats.
Do not give anything to eat.
Do not apply hot water bottles or ice bags to the chest or abdomen. This
may make things worse.
Arrange for the patient to be shifted to the hospital at the earliest.
Homoeopathic Remedies
From any part of body use Ipecac 1M
in frequent doses. Failing which Phosphorus 30C,
Millefolium 6C or 30C,
Belladonna 30C and Hamamelis 1M can be used as per the respective symptoms of
the case. Locally apply Hamamelis Q for instant
relief.
What to do if someone has a nose bleed?
Nosebleeds normally occur when blood vessels inside the nostril are
ruptured (through blowing the nose, sneezing, picking, etc.)
Sit the subject down with the head held forward. Do not let the head tip
back, as this increases bleeding and encourages swallowing of blood which
might induce vomiting.
Ask the subject to mouth breathe, and pinch the nose shut just below the
bridge with the thumb and index fingers for at least ten minutes.
Tell them to try not to speak, swallow, cough, spit, or sniff.
If the bleeding continues, you must seek advice from a doctor.
Frequent, sudden and severe nosebleeds usually need to be treated at
hospital.
Homoeopathic Remedies
Millefolium 6 is very
useful in general cases. If due to blow use Arnica
1M in frequent doses. Without any known cause use Ferrum
Met 200C,1M; Phosphorus 30C, 1M.
Bibliography
The New Home Medical Encyclopedia Volume 1-4
(ISBN: 0-8129-0260-2)
Labeled with ICRA