# External Bleeding

#### <span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">**What is it?**</span>

##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Bleeding due to breaking of the skin from cuts, scrapes, etc.</span>

##### **<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">With all bleeding injuries, first identify:</span>**

- ##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The amount of bleeding</span>
- ##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The location of bleeding</span>

##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If the flow of blood is continuous, steady, and heavy, consider the wound to be life-threatening.</span>

#### <span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">**Plan of Action:**</span>

##### **<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For non-life-threatening bleeding:</span>**

- ##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Apply dressings over the bleeding area, and put direct pressure on the dressings using the heel of your hand</span>
- ##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Direct pressure should be firm, steady, and constant</span>
- ##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Do not remove pressure from the wound to add more dressings</span>
- ##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Do not remove a dressing once it's placed because it could cause the wound to bleed more</span>
- ##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Do not remove pressure until help arrives or the bleeding stops</span>
- ##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If the bleeding is not stopping, press harder</span>
- ##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Once the bleeding stops or you cannot keep pressure on the wound, wrap a bandage firmly over the dressings to hold them in place</span>
- ##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A person who is bleeding should be seen by a healthcare provider ASAP because they may need stitches or a tetanus shot</span>

##### <span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">**When to Seek Emergency Care:**</span>

- ##### <span style="color: #000000;">There is a lot of bleeding</span>
- ##### <span style="color: #000000;">You cannot stop the bleeding</span>
- ##### <span style="color: #000000;">You see signs of shock</span>
- ##### <span style="color: #000000;">You suspect a head, neck, or spine injury</span>
- ##### <span style="color: #000000;">You are not sure what to do</span>