Bleeding (medically referred to as haemorrhage) is either internal (hidden from site) or external (obvious). Internal bleeding may result from a wide range of causes and may not be easily dealt with by first responders. All such cases must be promptly sent to the hospital for management.<\/p>\n
External bleeding on the other hand is usually from a breach of the skin or deeper tissue and first aid for such cases can be life-saving. This discussion will be limited to severe bleeding from direct physical injury.<\/p>\n
[contextly_sidebar id=”E4DeJnW5UIGJsbGcgyKPS96a0rXY7Cx1″]Several injuries can cause severe bleeding; lacerations from kitchen knives and broken pieces of glass, cuts from farming tools and gun shots wounds can all cause torrential bleeding. The primary aim of first aid in such injuries is to achieve haemostasis (that is, to stop the bleeding), as outlined below.<\/p>\n
Cover the wound with a piece of sterile bandage (preferred) or a clean piece of cloth (substitute) and apply firm pressure over the wound for at least 20mins. Do not lift the bandage or cloth at any time. If it becomes soaked with blood, cover it with more bandages or cloths and apply more pressure.<\/p>\n
Bleeding from an artery (as identified by squirting and spraying) is usually a severe bleed and in some cases death can occur in less than 20 minutes. For such wounds, more pressure would need to be applied, for longer, to bring about haemostasis.<\/p>\n
If the injury is on a limb (arms or legs) elevate the part above the level of the heart to limit blood flow to the site.<\/p>\n
It is advised that the victim be nursed on the floor with the legs elevated against a wall. This will maximize the blood available in circulation to support vital organs.<\/p>\n
If an object is found embedded deep in the skin, do not remove it or even agitate it. Removing a knife embedded in the abdomen or a pole stuck in the chest may cause more bleeding than if it were left intact.<\/p>\n
Any wound that causes severe bleeding should be managed in the hospital after first aid, and emergency services (193) should be called soon after first aid is commenced.<\/p>\n
Choking<\/strong><\/p>\n Choking is a common emergency, especially among children. The US Centre for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that at least one child dies from choking on food every 5 days in the USA. This is even where there is swift emergency response and abounding knowledge in basic first aid.<\/p>\n Choking is a daily health hazard because it can result from apparently innocuous activities, like eating. Children are the most vulnerable, because they are not aware of the dangers of mouthing objects like coins, toys and even candy.<\/p>\n In cases of total obstruction of the airway, lack of oxygen leads to progressive brain damage after just 4 minutes, and most victims are brain dead after 10 minutes. First aid for choking is therefore a race against time and when performed timeously, it is usually all the medical attention that is needed.<\/p>\n The American Red Cross suggests that if you encounter a conscious, choking individual that is coughing, encourage continued coughing. If the victim is unable to cough, speak, or breathe, complete the following:<\/p>\n Figure 1: The Heimlich maneuver (Source: the American Heart Association)<\/p>\n\n
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