First aid hemostasis is a crucial skill that everyone should know, especially in emergency situations where someone may be bleeding heavily. Hemostasis refers to the process of stopping bleeding, and first aid hemostasis involves immediate steps to control bleeding until professional medical help can be obtained. This article will delve into the step-by-step process of first aid hemostasis, providing you with the knowledge and confidence to handle such situations effectively.
Recognizing the Need for Hemostasis
The first step in first aid hemostasis is to recognize when bleeding needs to be controlled. Look for the following signs:
- Active bleeding, where the blood flows freely from the wound.
- Blood spurting out in a pulsating manner, which may indicate an artery is injured.
- Large amounts of blood loss, which can be life-threatening.
If you notice any of these signs, proceed with the following steps to control the bleeding.
Step 1: Call for Help
If you are alone, call emergency services immediately. If someone is with you, ask them to call for help while you focus on providing first aid.
Step 2: Assess the Scene
Before approaching the injured person, ensure that the scene is safe. If there are any hazards, such as traffic or a fire, move the injured person to a safe location if possible.
Step 3: Approach the Injured Person
Approach the injured person calmly and speak to them. Reassure them that help is on the way. If they are conscious, have them lie down and elevate their injured limb to reduce blood flow.
Step 4: Control the Bleeding
There are several methods to control bleeding:
Direct Pressure
Direct pressure is the most effective way to stop bleeding. Place a sterile dressing or a clean cloth directly over the wound and apply firm pressure. If you do not have a sterile dressing, use your hand or a handkerchief as a temporary measure.
Note: Do not remove the dressing until the bleeding has stopped.
Pressure Point Compression
If the bleeding is severe and you cannot control it with direct pressure, you may need to apply pressure to a pressure point. Find the pressure point by locating the artery and then applying firm pressure.
- For the arm: Find the brachial artery by placing your fingers on the inside of the elbow, where the pulse is located. Press firmly to stop the bleeding.
- For the leg: Find the femoral artery by placing your fingers on the upper thigh, just below the hip bone. Press firmly to stop the bleeding.
Note: Applying pressure to a pressure point can cause pain, so reassure the injured person as you apply pressure.
Step 5: Elevate the Injured Limb
If the injury is to an arm or leg, elevate the limb above the level of the heart. This helps reduce blood flow to the injured area and can slow down the bleeding.
Step 6: Apply a Tourniquet (If Necessary)
In some cases, direct pressure and pressure point compression may not be enough to control the bleeding. If the bleeding is severe and life-threatening, apply a tourniquet.
Note: Tourniquets can cause serious complications if not applied correctly. Only use a tourniquet if direct pressure and pressure point compression are ineffective, and if you are trained in their proper use.
To apply a tourniquet:
- Wrap a tourniquet snugly around the upper arm or thigh, above the wound.
- Secure the tourniquet with a strap or a piece of cloth tied tightly around the tourniquet.
- Lock the tourniquet in place and mark the time it was applied on the tourniquet or on the patient’s skin.
Step 7: Monitor the Injured Person
Keep the injured person calm and reassured. Monitor their breathing, pulse, and level of consciousness. If they become unconscious or their breathing becomes irregular, call emergency services immediately.
Step 8: Seek Professional Medical Help
Once the bleeding has been controlled, seek professional medical help as soon as possible. The injured person will likely need further medical treatment, such as stitches or surgery, to repair the wound.
Conclusion
First aid hemostasis is a vital skill that can save lives in emergency situations. By following these steps, you can effectively control bleeding until professional medical help arrives. Remember to call for help immediately, assess the scene, and apply direct pressure and pressure point compression to control the bleeding. With practice and knowledge, you can be prepared to handle bleeding emergencies confidently.