Haemorrhage – types and first aid

Proven content

A hemorrhage is a bleeding outside the vessel due to the disruption of its wall. Due to the type of damaged vessel, hemorrhages are divided into arterial, venous and parenchymal, i.e. from capillaries. Haemorrhage is sometimes very dangerous as it can lead to life-threatening hypovolemic shock.

Hemorrhage – definition

A haemorrhage is a situation in which a large amount of blood leaks out as a result of a break in the continuity of a vessel wall (vein or vessel). Haemorrhage can be very dangerous because it leads to hypovolemic shock life-threatening. Haemorrhage occurs both in the course of a disease and an injury (do not confuse hemorrhage with bleeding, i.e. slow blood loss). Various types of bleeding and wounds happen to everyone in everyday situations, both at home and at work and on the street. It is very important to have adequate knowledge of how to help a person with a haemorrhage, how to staunch and dress wounds.

Hypovolemic shock occurs when a patient loses 20% of his blood from a blood vessel. Thus, the shock is caused by the reduced volume of blood in the blood vessels. Most often it manifests itself: rapid heartbeat, cold and damp skin, altered consciousness, and rapid breathing.

Types of hemorrhages

Due to the space into which blood is poured, we distinguish:

1. external hemorrhageswhen blood is poured directly outside the body

2. internal hemorrhageswhen blood is poured inside the body (e.g. into a body cavity, digestive tract, etc.). Examples of internal hemorrhage:

1. gastric haemorrhage – most often occurs in gastric and duodenal ulcers and esophageal varices,
2. hemorrhage into the cranial cavity – may be associated with a stroke or the presence of a subarachnoid, epidural or subdural hematoma,
3. haemorrhage into the peritoneal cavity – usually occurs as a consequence of damage to the parenchymal organs,
4. haemorrhage from the lungs to the bronchi – occurs in patients with lung cancer and in the course of tuberculosis,
5. intracellular hemorrhage – may occur as a result of an impact;

3. mixed hemorrhageswhen its source is inside the body and the blood flows outside. An example is a nosebleed.

Due to the type of damaged vessel, a hemorrhage is distinguished:

1. venous hemorrhage – blood flows steadily from the wound and its color is usually dark cherry (high in carbon dioxide). The outflowing blood has a steady and slow speed and is easy to control thanks to the low pressure in the veins and the low intensity of the hemorrhage. With venous haemorrhage, the risk of hypovolemic shock is lower than in other situations;

2. arterial hemorrhage – blood flows according to the rhythm of the heart’s contractions, and its color is bright red this time. Blood is leaking out under high pressure and is difficult to control. There is a high risk of hypovolemic shock and subsequent death of the patient;

3. capillary hemorrhage – blood flows from capillaries, which connect arteries and veins. The outflow of blood is not too strong, rather the blood “oozes” from the wound. This type of hemorrhage occurs when we damage our skin. The color of the blood is between dark cherry and light red. Importantly, the haemorrhage resolves itself and is the least serious of all.

Types of wounds that cause hemorrhage

Wounds are formed when the body’s tissues are damaged and the skin is broken. We divide them into:

1. stab wounds – sharp tools can cause them; they are usually small in diameter but deep and with even edges; bleeding is minor, although internal organs may be damaged
2. cut wounds – characterized by fairly profuse bleeding; you can ask them with a sharp tool,
3. lacerations – have jagged edges and bleed profusely; result from stretching tissues beyond their strength,
4. crushed wounds – have jagged edges and usually appear after a fall or impact; despite minor bleeding, they hurt a lot and the tissues around the wound are bruised and crushed.

What symptoms accompany a hemorrhage?

A haemorrhage that is stopped at the right moment does not endanger the patient’s life. Symptoms of hypovolemic shock occur when the patient has lost approximately 20% of his circulating blood volume. Symptoms accompanying a hemorrhage include:

1. the presence of scotomas in front of the eyes,
2. pale skin,
3. cold sweats
4. tinnitus
5. low blood pressure,
6. accelerated heart rate
7. general anxiety
8. weakness,
9. loss of consciousness.

Remember! First aid is always the most important thing in the event of a haemorrhage!

Hemorrhage – first aid

In all haemorrhages, first aid is intended to stop bleeding quickly, as significant blood loss can cause a drop in blood pressure in the vessels, impair tissue blood flow and thus tissue oxidation, eventually leading to hemorrhagic shock and death. So if you notice symptoms of a hemorrhage, call an ambulance as soon as possible. If a limb is bleeding – try to immobilize the patient as soon as possible and place the patient in the anti-shock position, i.e. on the back with legs raised 30 cm above the ground. Then arrange a warm blanket and cover the sick person with it. Under no circumstances give the patient anything by mouth! Monitor the sick person closely, check their breathing regularly and perform CPR if you notice cardiac arrest.

Note: The basic vital parameters of the patient, such as consciousness, circulation and breathing, should always be assessed. Lack of breathing is an absolute indication for the opening of the respiratory tract.

Before we start stopping the haemorrhage, the wound should be thoroughly disinfected and a sterile dressing applied. It should be remembered that no substances such as cotton wool or lignin should be applied to the wound as they may stick to the wound and hinder its healing. Then the injured patient should be taken to a doctor. Also, minor cuts should be disinfected. Unfortunately, we very often ignore it, while the wound may purge. Always wear gloves when dressing wounds.

If there is a foreign object in the wound, such as a rod, stop bleeding within the wound and then immobilize the limb. It is contraindicated to pull a foreign body out of the wound on your own! This is a job for the doctor.

What to do when internal bleeding occurs?

Internal haemorrhage most often occurs as a result of various traffic accidents or a fall from a height. Unfortunately, we are not able to neutralize internal hemorrhage, we can only alleviate its effects by properly positioning the patient and controlling his vital functions until the ambulance arrives.

Symptoms to help identify internal hemorrhage:

1. you vomit blood or pass tarry stools (bleeding from the duodenum or stomach ulcer),
2. the person passes urine with some blood (urinary bleeding),
3. the patient passes a blood-colored stool (possible bleeding from the end of the gastrointestinal tract),
4. you cough up blood-colored sputum (bleeding from the lungs)
5. the circumference of the patient’s abdomen has become enlarged or blue under some costal arch (bleeding from the abdominal organs).

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