Types of bleeding
What are the three main types of external bleeding?
arterial, venous, and capillary.
What is the first priority when treating any bleeding wound?
The first priority is to stop the bleeding. This is done by applying direct pressure to the wound, usually with a clean cloth or sterile dressing. If possible, elevate the injured area above the heart to help slow blood flow.
What is the medical term for a scrape, and how is it usually caused?
The medical term is an abrasion. It's a superficial wound caused by rubbing or friction against a rough surface, which wears away the top layers of skin.
What is Arterial bleeding, and why is it the most serious?
Arterial bleeding comes from an injured artery, which carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart.
Why is it important to clean a wound?
Cleaning a wound removes contaminants (dirt, debris) and pathogens (germs) that could cause an infection. You typically clean a wound by gently washing it with mild soap and clean running water or irrigating it with saline solution.
What is a contusion? Is it an open or closed wound?
A contusion is a bruise. It's a closed wound where blood vessels beneath the skin are damaged and leak blood into the tissue, but the skin itself is not broken.
What does internal bleeding mean, and what are common signs of it?
Internal bleeding is when blood is lost from the vascular system inside the body (e.g., from a damaged organ or blood vessel) into a body cavity.
What is the difference between an antiseptic and an antibiotic?
An antiseptic is a liquid applied to the skin or wound to kill or slow the growth of microbes on the surface (like rubbing alcohol or iodine). An antibiotic is a medication, often a cream or ointment, that kills bacteria inside the wound or taken orally to fight a larger infection.
What is an avulsion wound?
An avulsion is a severe wound where a flap of skin or tissue is completely or partially torn away from the body. It usually results from a powerful, tearing force.
What is Capillary bleeding?
Capillary bleeding comes from damaged capillaries, which are the smallest blood vessels.
How should a small abrasion (scrape) be treated?
A small abrasion should be treated by first cleaning it gently with soap and water. Then, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and cover it with a bandage or sterile dressing to keep it moist and protected from outside germs.
What is the main difference between an open wound and a closed wound?
An open wound is any injury where the skin's surface is broken, exposing underlying tissue to the outside environment. A closed wound is an injury where the skin remains intact (unbroken), and the damage occurs beneath the surface.
How is Venous bleeding different from arterial bleeding?
Venous bleeding comes from an injured vein, which carries deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
What is the standard first-aid treatment for a closed wound like a bruise or sprain?
The standard treatment is the R.I.C.E. method to control swelling (edema) and pain:
What is an ulcer in the context of wounds?
An ulcer is a chronic open sore on the skin or mucous membrane that results from a breakdown of tissue and fails to heal normally.