First aid: serious bleeding
© DK
Severe bleeding can lead to a serious condition called shock and eventually unconsciousness. Act quickly and calmly. If bleeding is severe treat for shock.
- Expose the wound - cut away clothing if necessary - and press on the wound with your hand or over a clean dressing or cloth. If there is glass sticking out of the wound, don't remove it. Instead, apply pressure on either side of the object to compress the ends of the damaged blood vessels.
- Raise the injured part, so that it is above her heart. This will slow down the blood flow to the injured area. If possible lay her down, keeping the injury high. Call an ambulance or take your child to hospital.
- If blood appears through the bandage put another one on top. If it comes through the second bandage you may not be applying pressure in the right place. Take both dressings off and start again.
New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard
Posted 30.06.2010
See more in the dossier: Emergency first aid
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