Internal Bleeding & Nose-Bleeds
Internal bleeding is possible in any impact or accident. Look at the circumstances of the accident, as there may be no external evidence of injury but there may be serious damage to internal organs. If blood is lost from the circulatory system (from the damaged organ), not from the body itself, shock may be the first indication of internal injury. Often internal organs, e.g. spleen and liver are damaged as a result of a blow from an object, a fall, or a restraining device (like a car seatbelt).
Internal Bleeding
Signs and Symptoms
- Tenderness or pain over the injury site
- Swelling or bruising over the injury site
- Lowered conscious level
- Tissue/skin colour pale
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Thirst
- Anxiety
- Nausea
If force has been involved in the accident
Gently press on either side of the patient’s abdomen feeling for any tenderness or pain reaction, swelling or hardening of the abdomen. Compare one side of the abdomen with the other.
Treatment
- Get help / DIAL EMERGENCY
- DO NOT give food or drink to the patient, or allow to smoke
- DO NOT move unnecessarily
- Raise legs by 8 – 12 inches (20 – 30 cms) if you do not suspect head / spinal injuries or heart problems
- Treat for shock
- SkillsforLife Cycle
Nose-Bleeds
Nose-bleeds are most common during childhood when they are usually insignificant and easily stopped. (If frequent, see a Doctor as they can usually be easily stopped from re-occurring). They occur infrequently in healthy young adults but become more common and more serious during old age. Otherwise, nose-bleeds are generally caused by accidents (blows to head, face or nose) or high blood pressure
Treatment
- The patient should sit upright and lean forward to prevent blood flowing down back of throat
- Breathe through the mouth – put absorbent cloth or container under the nose to contain blood –Use red flannel or towel for a child as it doesn’t frighten them as much as a white cloth!
- Keep the patient still – no talking, swallowing or raising the head
- Pinch just below the bridge of the nose firmly
- If blood flows back down the throat – release the nose
- If an icepack is available, place that on bridge of nose
- never put ice directly on the skin, have a barrier between
After bleeding has stopped, have the patient avoid exertion and not blow their nose for at least 4 hours to avoid disturbing the clotting
Get Help / Dial EMERGENCY
- If the bleeding from the nose is not noticeably lessening within 10 minutes
- If bleeding has not stopped completely within 30 minutes
- If the patient shows any signs of shock
For comprehensive first aid information please refer to the MediTrain First Aid Manual or complete a MediTrain First Aid training course.
This First Aid tip is just one example of the contents of the SkillsforLife First Aid Manual.