How to Assist a Bleeding Victim in the Absence of EMS

Survey the scene and confirm the scene is safe., Approach and ask the victim permission for you to help them. , Determine the severity of the wound. , Take appropriate measures to avoid direct contact with bodily fluids. , Immediately cover the...

14 Steps 1 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Survey the scene and confirm the scene is safe.

    If gauze is not available, use the next available clean material.

    A shirt or towel can work in this situation. ,, It is alright to leave the victim briefly in order to do so unless they are in immediate danger. ,, Place an additional layer of gauze or other material over the soaked dressing.

    If dressings become excessively bulky, remove a portion of the dressings, but DO NOT remove the ones closest to the skin. , Wrap the gauze around the foreign objects. ,, If ice is available, and the wound is life threatening, it can reduce bleeding.

    Ice will cause frostbite as well, so only use when pressure and elevation aren't enough.
  2. Step 2: Approach and ask the victim permission for you to help them.

  3. Step 3: Determine the severity of the wound.

  4. Step 4: Take appropriate measures to avoid direct contact with bodily fluids.

  5. Step 5: Immediately cover the wound with a clean piece of gauze.

  6. Step 6: Have the victim place their hand directly over the wound putting pressure on the gauze and holding it in place and elevate the wound above their heart.

  7. Step 7: Right after determining the presence of an emergency

  8. Step 8: call the Emergency Services.

  9. Step 9: Continue to wrap gauze around the wound tightly and keep pressure directly over the wound if the wound has not stopped bleeding.

  10. Step 10: Do not remove any layers of gauze even if they become bled through-this could cause any formed clotting material to be destroyed.

  11. Step 11: Do not remove any foreign objects.

  12. Step 12: Know that if the bleeding continues

  13. Step 13: elevate the wound above the level of the heart and continue with direct pressure.

  14. Step 14: Stay with the victim until EMS arrives or a professional can take over.

Detailed Guide

If gauze is not available, use the next available clean material.

A shirt or towel can work in this situation. ,, It is alright to leave the victim briefly in order to do so unless they are in immediate danger. ,, Place an additional layer of gauze or other material over the soaked dressing.

If dressings become excessively bulky, remove a portion of the dressings, but DO NOT remove the ones closest to the skin. , Wrap the gauze around the foreign objects. ,, If ice is available, and the wound is life threatening, it can reduce bleeding.

Ice will cause frostbite as well, so only use when pressure and elevation aren't enough.

About the Author

C

Charlotte Lee

Creates helpful guides on home improvement to inspire and educate readers.

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