Bleeding Chapter 8

What is Blood? Specialized body fluid Transports oxygen, nutrients and wastes Protects against disease by producing antibodies and defending against pathogens Maintains body temperature 2 Portions Liquid: Plasma Solid: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets

What is Blood? An average man has about 12 pints of blood (1.5 gallons) An average female has about 9 pints (slightly over 1 gallon)

Blood Vessels Arteries Veins Capillaries Carries blood away from the heart Veins Carries blood to the heart Capillaries Exchange occurs here

When Bleeding Starts Brain Platelets White Blood Cells Signals the heart to circulate more oxygenated blood and to constrict the blood vessels in the extremities Signals lungs to work harder to increase oxygen levels Platelets Collect at the wound to stop the blood loss through clotting White Blood Cells Gather to stop any infection that might occur

External Bleeding Tears in the skin that open blood vessels externally Venous bleeding Blood flow will be steady Usually dark red or maroon in color because it is oxygen poor

External Bleeding Arterial Bleeding Life threatening because it is much more rapid, severe, and spurting Blood loss is great Bright red in color because of oxygen

External Bleeding: Care Place pressure on wound to restrict the blood flow Allow for normal clotting to occur

External Bleeding: Care Placing a sterile dressing and a gloved hand Apply pressure with your hand If you do not have disposable gloves have victim apply pressure if possible Pressure Bandage If blood soaks through add more bandage DO NOT remove any of the soaked bandages

Internal Bleeding Blood escaping from arteries, capillaries or veins into space in the body Signs: Soft tissues that are tender or swollen Anxiety or restlessness Rapid or weak pulse Rapid breathing, shortness of breath Moist/cool skin Nausea, vomiting Excessive thirst Decreased consciousness Severe headache

Internal Bleeding: Care For minor bleeding A bruise: apply ice pack Little to be done for severe Do no further harm Monitor breathing/consciousness Help victim rest comfortably Keep from getting chilled/overheated Reassure victim