Lesson #20: Bleeding

Bleeding is a condition that must be identified during the initial assessment. After performing scene safety and survey, universal precautions, and evaluating and managing airway and breathing, the Emergency responders should control arterial or venous bleeding, if present. Emergency responders must understand the relationship between mechanisms of injury and the signs and symptoms of bleeding to appropriately manage patients. Bleeding management is directed at preventing infection, deterioration of patient status, and promoting healing.

This lesson the student will understand the significance and characteristics of bleeding, the importance of body substance isolation when treating a bleeding patient, signs and symptoms associated with bleeding patients, and methodologies for controlling bleeding, including the indications and contraindications for the use of tourniquet.

At the end of this lesson the students will be able to:

1. Describe the characteristics of Bleeding.
2. Demonstrate controlling Bleeding from the Extremities.
3. Demonstrate controlling Bleeding from the Nose, Ear, and Mouth.
4. Identify signs of Internal Bleeding.