Online First Aid Class | Trauma | External Bleeding

Traumatic Injuries

This section of the course covers the most common types of injuries you’re likely to encounter. They include:

• ● External bleeding
• ● Wounds
• ● Internal bleeding
• ● Head, neck, and spinal injuries
• ● Broken bones and sprains
• ● Burns and electrical injuries

In some cases, these injuries may not seem urgent, but it’s important to remember that they can become serious if they’re left untreated.

External Bleeding

Bleeding can be internal or external. If left uncontrolled, it can be a serious threat to a person’s life. It’s important to know what you’re looking at when you’re trying to help someone who is bleeding.

Minor Bleeding is usually the result of small scrapes and cuts. In most cases, it can be stopped by applying pressure. Be sure to stay calm. A lot of the time, bleeding will look worse than it actually is.

Severe Bleeding occurs when a large blood vessel is torn or cut, resulting in rapid blood loss.

Dressing vs Bandaging

Many people confuse the terms dressing and bandage. They are actually two different things.

• ● A dressing is a material, such as a clean cloth or gauze, that is used directly on a wound to stop bleeding.
• ● A bandage is a material used to protect or cover up an injured body part. It may also help pressure a wound.

You may use dressings and bandages together. A bandage can be placed over a gauze dressing to hold it in place on top of the wound.

When to Phone 9-1-1 for Bleeding

You should call, or ask someone to call 9-1-1 if:

• ● The person is bleeding excessively
• ● You cannot stop the bleeding
• ● They show signs of shock
• ● You suspect they may have a head, neck, or spinal injury
• ● You aren’t sure what to do