Stopping the Flow: Controlling Life-Threatening Bleeding
Bleeding, whether from a minor cut or a traumatic injury, can be alarming. But when bleeding becomes severe and life-threatening, it transforms into a critical emergency where rapid intervention is paramount. Uncontrolled severe bleeding is one of the leading causes of preventable death after traumatic injuries. Knowing how to stop the flow quickly and effectively is a life-saving skill that every Canadian should possess.
At Ready 4 Everything Training and Supplies, we emphasize that mastering bleeding control is a core component of preparedness. It’s a skill that can buy precious time, prevent shock, and dramatically increase the chances of survival for someone experiencing significant blood loss.
Understanding Life-Threatening Bleeding
Life-threatening bleeding can be identified by several signs:
Blood that is spurting or gushing from the wound.
Blood that won't stop flowing even with direct pressure.
Pooling blood on the ground around the person.
Clothing soaked with blood.
Loss of part or all of a limb.
Bleeding in a person who is confused, unconscious, or showing signs of shock (pale, clammy, rapid heart rate).
The First, Most Important Step: Direct Pressure
For almost any external bleeding, the first and most immediate action is to apply direct, firm pressure directly to the wound.
Expose the Wound: Remove or cut away clothing to fully expose the source of bleeding.
Apply Direct Pressure: Use a clean cloth, sterile gauze, or even your bare hand if nothing else is immediately available. Press down firmly and directly on the bleeding wound.
Maintain Pressure: Do not peek to see if the bleeding has stopped. Maintain continuous, firm pressure.
Apply a Pressure Dressing: Once bleeding starts to slow or stop, secure the dressing in place with a bandage. Wrap the bandage firmly, but not so tight that it cuts off circulation to the limb below the injury (check for pulse or sensation). If blood soaks through the dressing, do not remove it. Simply add more layers on top and continue to apply firm pressure.
When Direct Pressure Isn't Enough: Tourniquets
While direct pressure is effective for most bleeding, there are situations where it may not be sufficient or practical:
Massive, Catastrophic Bleeding: When blood loss is rapid and profound, and direct pressure alone isn't controlling it.
Multiple Victims: When you have multiple injured people and can only attend to one at a time.
Unsafe Scene: If you must move the injured person quickly from danger, a tourniquet can control bleeding while you move them.
Injury to a Limb: Specifically for bleeding from an arm or leg that cannot be controlled otherwise.
How to Apply a Tourniquet (Commercial Tourniquet):
Place the Tourniquet: Apply the tourniquet 5-8 cm (2-3 inches) above the bleeding site, directly on the skin (not over clothing if possible). Avoid placing it over a joint.
Tighten the Strap: Pull the strap tight and secure it.
Twist the Windlass Rod: Twist the windlass rod until the bleeding stops completely. This may require significant force and will likely be painful for the injured person.
Secure the Windlass: Lock the windlass rod in place with the clip or strap.
Time is Critical: Note the time the tourniquet was applied and write it on the tourniquet itself or the person's forehead. This information is vital for paramedics.
Do NOT Remove: Once applied effectively, do NOT remove the tourniquet until medical professionals take over.
Hemostatic Dressings: A Powerful Aid for Deep Wounds
Hemostatic dressings (often infused with clotting agents) are specialized dressings designed to quickly stop severe bleeding, particularly in areas where a tourniquet cannot be applied effectively (e.g., neck, torso, groin).
How to Use:
Apply direct pressure to the wound.
Pack the wound with the hemostatic dressing, pushing it deep into the wound to directly contact the bleeding vessel.
Maintain firm, continuous pressure for at least 3-5 minutes, as specified by the product instructions.
Training Required: Use of hemostatic dressings typically requires specific training due to the need for proper wound packing.
Why This Training is Crucial: Empowering Responders
The ability to control severe bleeding is a skill that can turn a dire situation into a hopeful one. Whether it's a workplace accident involving machinery, a severe injury from a fall, or a traumatic incident in the community, being able to stop massive blood loss is paramount. The "Stop the Bleed" initiative globally underscores this importance, emphasizing that even untrained bystanders can save lives with basic bleeding control techniques.
Ready 4 Everything: Mastering Bleeding Control
At Ready 4 Everything Training and Supplies, our first aid courses provide hands-on, practical training in bleeding control techniques. You'll learn:
Effective direct pressure application.
Proper use of commercial tourniquets.
The principles of wound packing and hemostatic dressing application (in higher-level courses).
How to recognize the signs of life-threatening bleeding.
Our goal is to equip you with the confidence and competence to act decisively when confronted with severe bleeding, knowing you have the skills to make a life-saving difference.
Your Action Item: Don't let life-threatening bleeding overwhelm you or your team. Sign up for first aid courses for your organization today to master critical bleeding control techniques, and be ready to save a life when every drop counts.
