Stop The Bleeding!!

"Stop the bleeding, start the breathing, treat for shock". This phrase is thrown around quite a bit in trauma medicine. Over the next few weeks, we'll be breaking down those three "sections" to show how each portion helps influence a trauma victim's survival.

First up, "Stop The Bleeding." The average human adult has approximately five to six liters of blood- around three large soda bottles' worth. Depending on factors involved (physical fitness, health of the heart and blood vessels, etc.) and the injury site, a person can lose a significant amount of that in a very short time! It's our job to stop that from happening.

Perhaps you've heard argument as to which is worse: an arterial or venous bleed. In truth, ALL bleeding is bad. Major of blood loss affect's the body's capabilities to carry oxygen and nutrients to the cells, remove waste products from the cells and circulate the body's heat. Rapid recognition and treatment are paramount to a victim's survival.

Arterial blood loss is usually rapid, as the arteries are under pressure. When an artery is cut or severed the blood may spurt or pulse out and will appear bright red in color due to higher oxygen content. Venous blood loss may be just as rapid, depending on the site and severity of the injury. The body's veins are not under direct pressure from the heart; therefore, bleeding will present as flowing or oozing, compared to spurting. Venous blood is also typically darker red as it is not high in oxygen content.

It all boils down to this; we humans simply cannot survive without blood in our bodies! As rescuers, first responders and concerned citizens we would do well to remember this first and foremost. Blood belongs in the body- it's science!

A great resource is the Stop The Bleed Campaign at:

https://www.dhs.gov/stopthebleed

Keep your blood in your body, your med kit and hand, and your eyes on this page! Stay safe out there!