"How to Handle a Bleeding Wound: Essential First Aid Techniques"

There are two types of bleeding wounds that will be covered. Minor bleeding wounds and severe external bleeding

1. Minor bleeding wounds: Small cuts and abrasions that can be treated at home

   1. Use sterile gauze soaked in normal saline or clean water to clean the injured area (do not use any material that will fray or leave fluff in the wound such as cotton wool). 

   2. Cover the wound with an appropriate dressing such as a band-aid or a non-adhesive dressing (dressing must be replaced regularly). 

   3. If you can’t seem to get rid of contaminants such as dirt yourself, see a doctor as it can lead to infections.

   4. See a doctor if you have not had a booster vaccine against tetanus in the last five years.

2. Severe external bleeding: Depending on where it is on the body, even a small injury can lead to severe external bleeding leading to shock (not enough blood circulating throughout the body).

   1. Get someone else to call an ambulance if possible

   2. Keep the person lying down with their injured area above the level of their heart

   3. Apply direct pressure to the wound whether it be you or the patient.

   4. Secure the wound firmly with a bandage if needed by pulling the edges of the wound together. 

   5. In the case that an object is embedded in the wound, apply pressure around the object instead of removing it.

   6. Do not apply a tourniquet.

   7. If blood saturates the initial dressing, do not remove it. Add fresh padding over the top and secure with a bandage.

Source: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/bleeding#minor-bleeding