What Is the First Aid for Severe Bleeding?

Severe bleeding can be life-threatening and requires immediate first aid intervention. Understanding how to manage such emergencies is crucial for anyone, from healthcare professionals and first responders to everyday individuals.To help you get prepared for any bleeding-related emergency, we’ll provide a full breakdown of the best first aid measures for severe bleeding, and explain how LFA First Response’s trauma kits can have you prepared for any emergency.

What is severe bleeding?

Severe bleeding refers to a significant loss of blood from the circulatory system. If not managed promptly, severe bleeding can quickly lead to hypovolemic shock or even death.Severe bleeding can arise from various injuries, including deep cuts, severe trauma or surgical complications. Immediate first aid is essential to prevent further blood loss and stabilise the victim until professional medical help arrives.

What is a haemorrhage?

A haemmorrhage is a medical term which refers to excessive bleeding, either internally or externally. Haemmorrhages occur from traumatic injuries, as well as medical conditions such as ulcers or aneurysms, or complications during childbirth or surgery.While all haemorrhages involve bleeding, not all bleeding qualifies as a haemorrhage. Understanding the difference between a haemorrhage and bleeding is vital for proper first aid response.For example, with basic first aid, you can manage minor bleeding caused by cuts, scrapes and punctured skin. However, a haemmorrhage causes severe bleeding and poses a greater risk to health and life, making it a medical emergency requiring advanced medical treatment.

How do you manage a haemorrhage?

A haemorrhage requires more advanced first aid techniques, such as applying a tourniquet, using pressure points or, in some cases, surgical intervention.In the event that a loved one or someone around you is experiencing a haemorrhage, here’s a step-by-step guide to help ensure you take the best course of action:

1. Stay calm and ensure safety: First, take several deep breaths to help calm your nervous system, and then make sure the scene is safe for you and the victim. If possible, wear protective gloves to prevent infection.

2. Call emergency services: Dial emergency services (000) and provide them with as much information as possible about the situation and the victim’s condition.

3. Assess the situation: Determine the source and severity of the bleeding. If the blood is bright red and spurting out, this indicates arterial bleeding, which is more severe and requires urgent medical attention.

How do you stop severe bleeding?

Stopping severe bleeding such as arterial bleeding requires prompt action and the right techniques. By understanding the following methods and having an inventory of appropriate supplies, you can effectively manage severe bleeding and potentially save a life in an emergency situation:

1. Apply direct pressure: Use a clean cloth, sterile dressing or gauze pad to apply direct pressure to the wound. When applying pressure, make sure you press firmly with both hands to help stop the bleeding. If blood soaks through, add more cloth or dressings on top without removing the soaked ones.

2. Use a pressure bandage: After applying direct pressure, use a pressure bandage to wrap the wound tightly, but not so tight that it cuts off circulation. Common signs you’ve restricted circulation are numbness, circulation or swelling.

3. Elevate the injured area: If possible, elevate the injured limb above the level of the person’s heart, as this reduces blood flow to the affected area, helping to control bleeding.

4. Apply a tourniquet: In some cases, direct pressure and elevation may be ineffective at stopping severe bleeding. In these situations, use a tourniquet as an effective way to stop life-threatening external bleeding. Place it 5-10 cm above the wound and tighten it until the bleeding stops. Note, however, that you should not leave a tourniquet in place for too long, as this may cause tissue damage. We recommended having a tourniquet in place for no more than two hours. For a full guide on how to apply a tourniquet, read our previous blog.

Why LFA First Response Trauma Kits are essential for severe bleeding and medical emergencies

LFA First Response offers comprehensive trauma kits designed to effectively manage severe bleeding and other medical emergencies.Each kit contains essential supplies, such as sterile dressings, thermal blankets, tourniquets, gloves and much more, ensuring you're well-prepared for any unexpected emergency.Here’s an overview of what LFA First Response's Trauma Kits include, the benefits they’ll provide you, and key scenarios where they can be incredibly useful:

Key features of our trauma kits

Our extensive range of trauma kits are made to meet high medical standards, ensuring reliability and effectiveness in critical situations.Our range of Severe Haemorrhage Response Kits contain high-quality components such as pressure bandages, hemostatic agents and tourniquets that are made from medical grade materials and meet Australian and international medical standards.Each kit is also designed to be as user-friendly as possible, with items organised for quick and easy access in emergency situations.

Preparedness for any situation

Whether you’re at home, at work, on the road or at an outdoor activity, having an all-inclusive LFA First Response trauma kit, such as the Trauma Deluxe Kit Softpack, provides you with versatility and the ability to handle different types of injuries for various emergencies.Additionally, our kits are trusted by first responders, healthcare professionals and emergency services due to their high-quality and reliability, meaning you’ll receive high-grade supplies that are professionally trusted.

Diverse applications

For unexpected home emergencies, such as deep cuts from kitchen knives and falls, having a trauma kit nearby allows you to manage severe bleeding and other injuries effectively while waiting for professional help.Keeping a trauma kit in the workplace, especially in high-risk environments like construction sites, is essential for treating cuts, lacerations and other traumatic injuries in a quick and efficient manner.To view the full range of LFA Response’s Trauma Kits, see here.

Be prepared for any bleeding emergency with LFA First Response

Understanding and being prepared to manage severe cases of bleeding can save lives. Whether you’re a first responder, healthcare professional, or someone looking to be prepared for any emergency, knowing the correct procedures and having the right supplies is crucial.Stay prepared, stay safe and ensure you have one of LFA First Response’s quality trauma kits on hand to equip yourself with the best tools for emergency situations.