Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

7 Bleeding, Wound Care and Trauma

The most common method of controlling bleeding includes: • Applying Direct and even pressure • Elevation (if possible) • Use Pressure dressings or splints • Use of a tourniquet if trained to do so It is useful to combine these methods when controlling bleeding from an extremity. All open wounds are assumed to be contaminated and at risk for infection. By applying a sterile dressing to the wound and keeping foreign materials out, you reduce this risk. Unless a wound is minor, do not try to remove foreign material, no matter how dirty. Brushing, rubbing, or washing can cause more damage, disrupts clotting, and causes more bleeding.

Once you apply direct pressure to a wound, bleeding can often be better controlled by splinting an extremity even if there is no fracture, and typically it will reduce the pain. When direct pressure and rest are not successful and you have been trained to do so, apply a tourniquet. Any patient who is bleeding significantly is at risk of shock. Be alert and maintain pressure to control bleeding.

Applying Direct Pressure

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