There may be external bleeding, which can be seen from open wounds, but there may also be internal bleeding, which cannot be seen.
All heavier or more prolonged bleeding can lead to shock and death as a result of the blood loss experienced.
Internal bleeding: If you have the slightest suspicion that the casualty may be suffering from internal bleeding, he/she should be brought to a hospital as fast as possible by an emergency doctor. Lay the injured person flat until transport arrives. Keep him/her warm and heed the following: Move as little as possible!
Bleeding from small wounds arrests of its own accord as a result of the coagulation mechanism that blood has.
Pressure bandage on upper arm
In the event of heavier bleeding, a pressure bandage needs to be applied.
If possible, cover the wound with a sterile gauze dressing, place a pressure pad (First-Aid standard dressing, rolled-up tissue etc.) over this and bandage up firmly (bandage, triangular bandage, strips of a cloth etc.).
In the event of heavy bleeding in the arms and legs, briefly apply pressure to the arteries between the site of injury and the heart before applying the pressure bandages:
The upper arm artery is pressed with four fingers against the upper arm bone.
Press the leg artery with both thumbs in the middle of the groin against the pelvic bone.
Bandaging material or other material are to be pressed onto wounds in areas of the body which are bleeding and to which a pressure bandage cannot be applied.
In emergencies, haemostasis is always more important than avoiding infections.
If certain body parts have been severed as a result of an accident, e.g. fingers or a hand, they must be put to the side for re-implantation purposes. They should not be cleaned or washed, but wrapped in sterile bandaging material, if available.
Nosebleeds normally stop by themselves. In the event of prolonged nose-bleeding, bend the head slightly forward, support the forehead in your hands and place a cold compress on the neck.
