Bleeding Injuries

Superficial bleeding wounds (Scrapes, Shallow Cuts, Abrasions)

• Use gloves to prevent contact with blood-borne pathogens.
• Apply pressure with gauze pads until oozing stops or slows.
• Using tweezers or gloved hands, pick out any obvious debris such as gravel, sticks, etc.
• Gently cleanse the wound with clean water or alcohol preps. 
• Dress with appropriately sized band-aids or gauze.
• Use rolled gauze or Ace-type wrap to hold dressing in place until further care can be given.

Nosebleeds

• Sit Up and Lean Forward: Sit down to reduce blood pressure to the nose, and lean forward to keep blood from running down the throat, which can cause vomiting.
• Pinch the Nose: Use the thumb and index finger to firmly pinch the soft part of the nose, just below the bony bridge.
• Hold Pressure: Maintain constant, firm pressure for at least 10–15 minutes without releasing to check if it has stopped.
• Breathe through the Mouth: While the nose is pinched, breathe through the mouth.
• Apply Cold (optional): If a cold pack is available, place it across the bridge of the nose to help constrict blood vessels.

Major Bleeding

1. Safety First
   • Ensure Personal Safety: Before helping, evaluate the scene for hazards (e.g., active violence, fire, unstable structures) to avoid becoming a victim yourself.
   • Protection: Use gloves to protect against bloodborne pathogens.
2. Identifying Life-Threatening Bleeding. Note: a major arterial bleed such as from neck, or groin can cause death in 2-5 minutes. Signs:
   • Blood that is spurting out of the wound.
   • Blood that won’t stop coming out of the wound.
   • Blood that is pooling on the ground.
   • Clothing that is soaked through with blood.
   • Bandages that are soaked through with blood.
   • Loss of all or part of an arm or leg.
3. The 3 Core Techniques (ABC)
   • A – Alert: Call 911. See: https://cvhikingclub.net/initiating-a-rescue-2/
   • B – Bleeding: Find the bleeding injury.
   • C – Compress: Apply pressure to stop the bleeding.
4. Key Pressure Techniques:
   • Direct Pressure: Apply firm, direct, strong, and unrelenting pressure with both hands directly on the wound.
   • Wound Packing: For deep, gaping wounds (specifically in the shoulder, groin, or neck), pack the wound with bleeding control gauze (preferred), plain gauze, or a clean cloth, then apply direct strong pressure as above.
   • Tourniquet Application: For severe, uncontrollable bleeding on an arm or leg, apply a manufactured tourniquet, or a belt, 2–3 inches above the wound, between the wound and the heart (never on a joint). Tighten it until the bleeding stops. 
   • Never release pressure to check bleeding; maintain pressure until EMS arrives.

 

(Sources: Center for Wilderness Safety, wildsafe.org and American College of Surgeons Stop The Bleed, stopthebleed.org)

The information provided on this CVHC page is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.