[2.2] Bleeding

• bleeding or hemorrhage


  the escape of blood from blood vessels, either externally (visible outside the body) or internally (within body cavities or tissues)
• severity of bleeding is determined by:

  • amount of blood lost
  • rate of blood loss
  • initial blood volume
• external bleeding


  visible bleeding from an open wound, coming from vessels that are near or a the skin's surface
• arterial bleeding

  • bright red blood that spurts in rhythm with the heartbeat, due to high pressure in arteries
  • the most severe type, as it can lead to significant blood loss quickly
  • often requires direct pressure, use of a tourniquet (if life-threatening), and rapid medical intervention
  • harder to control due to high pressure and difficulty in clotting
• venous bleeding

  • dark bluish-red blood flows steadily, as veins operate under lower pressure
  • less severe than arterial bleeding but still requires prompt attention
  • direct pressure is usually effective. elevating the wound (if possible) can help control flow
• capillary bleeding

  • slow oozing of blood, usually from small cuts or scrapes
  • generally minor and often clots on its own
  • high risk of infection due to the superficial nature of the wound
  • clean the wound and apply a sterile dressing