Chapter Four - Emergency Procedures

Bleeding

1. Stop bleeding immediately by applying direct pressure on the wound.  Use a thick pad or cloth.  When you apply direct pressure, elevate the wound if it does not cause pain and if you do not suspect broken bones.  Use pressure on a "pressure point" if bleeding does not stop.  Continue to apply direct pressure and to elevate the wound while using the pressure point:

• brachial artery - for arm wounds.

• femoral artery - for leg wound.

 

2. Prevent contamination and infection:

• Do NOT clean a serious wound that has finally stopped bleeding.  Let trained medical personnel do this.

• Small wounds should be cleaned with ordinary mild hand soap, rinsed carefully, then a dry dressing or bandage should be applied to the wound.

 

3. Provide care for shock.

4. Obtain medical attention.

Last Update: 2006-09-14