Wound Source and Bleed Control

Bleeding from Orificies

Click on the hotspots to explore how the bleed will appear.

Nose & Ears

Ruptured blood vessel.  Clear fluid with drops of blood is a skull fracture (life-threatening)

Lungs

Coughing up bright red blood

Stomach

Vomited blood, red or dark reddish brown

Kidneys / Bladder  

Urine contains blood that has a smoky appearance and occasional clots.

Arterial / Venous Bleed

Arterial - bright red blood will "spurt" out under pressure in time with the heart beat.

Venous - Dark red blood will "gush" out.

Both can be catastrophic and prove fatal.

Bowel

Fresh bright blood from the anus.

Bleed Control

Your blood contains plasma (90% water), red cells (carry oxygen to cells), white cells (fight infection) and platelets.

As a first aider, platelets are your friend as they help to clot the blood.  This can take up to 10 minutes or even longer if the casualty is on blood thinning medication.

While you get your first aid kit you should get your casualty to compress the wound.  Monitor your casualty closely for hypovolaemic shock.

Created: 21 October 2024
Last Modified: 21 October 2024
Author: Phil Newton

Version: Version: 1.07