RespiteMatch.com Health Blog

Bleeding can be frightening and dramatic. However, in most cases it’s not life-threatening
if it’s treated right away. Here are some self-care and first aid tips.

For a Small Cut or Puncture Wound
n If there’s no large foreign object in the wound, put a
sterile cloth, such as gauze, a clean handkerchief or
even a clean pillow case over the wound and apply
pressure. Avoid cotton, paper towels or tissue, since
their fibers can get in the wound. If a cloth isn’t available,
clean your hands well and use your fingers.
n Elevate the bleeding area above the heart, if possible.
n If blood soaks through a bandage or cloth, don’t
remove it. Apply another cloth on top of it and widen
the area of pressure.
n Once the bleeding has stopped, gently wash the cut
with soap and water, pat dry and apply a disinfectant,
such as hydrogen peroxide.
n After the cut or superficial
puncture is cleaned and
disinfected, remove any
small foreign object,
such as glass or a splinter,
if it isn’t deeply
imbedded. Once it’s
removed, disinfect the
wound again and apply
a bandage for any new
bleeding.
n If the bleeding doesn’t
stop within 45 minutes,
dial 911 or whatever
emergency medical service
is in your area.

For Heavy Bleeding or a Large Foreign Object in the Skin
n Have the victim lie down.
n Remove clothing from around the wound if you can
do so quickly.
n You can detect bleeding in the dark, such as after an
outdoor accident at night, by feeling all over and
under the body for patches of sticky dampness.
n Squeeze the edges of a wound together
around the object. Never try to
remove the object since it may be
helping to plug the wound.
n Surround the wound with a thick
circular pad of clean cloth. An
opening in the center helps
keep pressure off the foreign
object.
n Use parallel bandages
to hold this
donut-shaped material
in place over the
wound until emergency
medical help
can treat it.

While Waiting for Emergency Care
If the bleeding won’t stop, as a last resort you can temporarily cut off much of the blood
supply to a limb by firmly pressing major arteries against an underlying bone with your
fingers. Pressure points include the underside of the upper arm and in the center of the
fold of the groin.

WARNING:Don’t maintain maximum pressure for longer
than five minutes and don’t apply a tourniquet.