Top 3 Tips you need to know when treating a severe bleed for beginners!

Recent medical research has revealed that there is a platinum ten-minute period once a catastrophic bleed has started. If you can react effectively at this time, you will be able to save lives. It’s not something anybody would generally think about day-to-day as you never think it’s going to happen to you. However, it’s best to be as medically prepared as possible, as you never know when you may witness somebody suffering a severe bleed. At TyTek Medical, we are passionately dedicated to providing the best medical advice for any skill level, equipping you with confidence to administer emergency first-aid. 

Did you know that 35% of pre-hospital fatalities are due to bleeding from a traumatic injury? Let’s look at reducing this number and becoming more prepared with our top 3 tips when it comes to treating a severe bleed.

1. Remember the ABC of bleeding control

In the first instance, using the ABC method is an easy way to remember what to do in case of an emergency. 

A - Alert

Call for help and don’t assume that somebody else has already called, if you can’t call yourself clearly instruct a bystander. Call 911( U.S.) / 999 (U.K.) and be clear on your instructions such as your precise location, as you want to be as fast as possible in aiding first responders to arrive. 

B - Bleeding

Look for the source of the life-threatening bleed, as this will guide you in which method you choose to control it. Open clothing if needs be and be sure to check all areas including what’s in contact with the ground. Once you have located the source, determine whether the bleeding is life-threatening or not. This can be spurting, pooling, heavy flowing or clothing that is heavily soaked, as well as if the victim is confused or unconscious. 

C - Compress

Bleeding causes loss of oxygen and nutrients, so it’s extremely important to act fast. Controlling the bleed can prompt the body to enforce its healing elements such as blood clotting and maintaining body temperature. Applying direct pressure will aim to stop the flow of blood, thus stopping the bleed quickly.

2. Understand the pressure zones when it comes to applying compression

Different parts of the body require different methods of compression and these fall under 3 zones. 

Extremities: Arms and Legs

These types of bleeds can generally be controlled through direct pressure to the wound or through the use of tourniquets.

Junctions: Neck, Shoulders, Armpits, Groin and Buttock

To these areas, tourniquets cannot be applied so direct pressure and wound packing is key to control these types of bleeds.

Torso: Chest, abdomen, back

This area can be associated with internal bleeding and cannot be controlled without hospital care. So it’s important to make sure that the first responders are on their way, keep body temperatures warm to avoid hypothermia and direct first responders to the patient. 

Understanding these 3 zones can really help you in deciding how to react to a severe bleed, prior to the first responders arriving. 

3. Make sure that first aid supplies are nearby and accessible to be able to save lives!

Most importantly whether you’re in public, the workplace, commuting or socializing, being able to access emergency supplies is vital to save lives in case of a severe bleed. If you’re in a place of authority or an employee, you should ensure that your workplace has the correct equipment in place and that everybody is aware of its location. Places such as subways, schools, and places of entertainment can all benefit greatly from bleeding control stations. In case of an emergency, medical supplies specifically for severe bleeds are easily accessible and bystanders can administer first aid before help arrives. Why bleed control stations? Bleeding is one of the main causes of fatalities as mentioned before, if more people can prevent this then many more lives can be saved.