Here’s five first aid tips to remember when dealing with a bloody accident

Here’s five first aid tips to remember when dealing with a bloody accident
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Accidents can be a really gory and fatal affair. Whether it is a car accident, domestic accident or any other type of deadly situation, the loss of life is the price at stake, and timely and effective countermeasures will maximize the chances of survival.

No one wants to be a victim of an accident, nor have to be the one to shoulder the responsibility of keeping a victim alive. But accidents do happen, and there are certain steps that can be taken to minimize the risk of death or permanent organ damage. One or more of these tips will prove helpful in these critical situations, so even if you cannot keep them all in mind, it will be helpful to have a number of these tips on hand just in case. Here are X first aid tips to keep in mind, and apply immediately in case of a bloody or fatal accident.

First, stop the blood flow

Make sure your hands are clean, wash them before applying first aid or cleaning the wound. First, apply direct pressure on the gaping wound with a piece of clothing, preferably one that is clean. Note that if blood soaks the cloth, do NOT remove it. Simply put more cloth on top of it and continue to apply pressure. If the wound is on the arm or leg, raise the limb upward to help slow bleeding.

If severe bleeding does not stop with direct pressure and elevation, then apply direct pressure to an artery near the site of the wound. This is because when you apply constant pressure on an artery, you can control the bleeding by pushing the artery against bone. Apply direct pressure on the artery, while still continuing to put pressure on the wound.

If there is severe bleeding, also apply firm pressure directly to the bleeding site.

One very effective way to control excessive bleeding is through a toolkit such as a bleeding control kit. This kind of toolkit can include devices, tourniquets and medical shears used to control blood loss in emergencies such as this.

You can check around the victim’s car if there is one kept there. It is also advisable to keep one in your car, your home and other places you stay around often. If you have no idea about it or how to use it, you can check out this bleeding control toolkit from Sam Medical, which has the product description and educational videos on bleeding control toolkits.

Finally, to check if bleeding has stopped or slowed down, ease your hands slowly from the pressure point, but do not release pressure at the bleeding site. If bleeding continues, then continue to apply pressure to the artery. Continue until the bleeding stops or until help arrives. After bleeding stops, do not continue to apply pressure to the artery.

Keep the victim in place and as still as possible

The next thing to remember is to always keep the victim firmly in a still recovery position, by their side. Do NOT move the victim away from the place they are found lying. When you put someone in the recovery position, it helps to keep their lungs and heart working by keeping their airway clear and open. It also ensures that any fluid or vomit will not cause a choke.

Here’s how to put them in this position. First check for anywhere there is excessive bleeding and stop/control the bleeding. That is very important. Then, with the person lying on their back, extend the arm next to you at a right angle to their body. Make sure their palm is facing up. After that, proceed to take the other arm and fold it, then hold it in place.

Use your other hand to bend the person’s farther knee to a right angle and finally, carefully roll the person onto their side by pulling the bent knee. Then, make sure to keep their airway open by gently tilting their head back and lifting their chin, also check that their tongue is not blocking their airway.

Keep the victim calm by saying encouraging words

When you keep the victim calm by saying encouraging and comforting words, it will go far in de-escalating the situation. Tell them it will be fine and they are going to be alright. Ask them personal questions for them to remember and

It is imperative to keep them mentally alert and conscious till help comes over.

It is very important for you and the victim to stay calm. This will help you make considered decisions in such a time conscious scenario where every second counts. If at any time you feel yourself hesitating or panicking, take deep breaths and clear out the noise around you.

Call for Help

It is very important to note that you are only there to de-escalate the situation and be the first point of contact. Once you have stopped bleeding, put the victim in position and calmed the situation, call emergency services. You should provide the person on the other end with information that is as accurate as possible to enable them to get there and take over from you. The truth is the more accurate the information you relay is, the better they can understand the emergency and respond better.

Relevant details include your location, if there is more than one victim and any relevant information about the scene, such as landmarks and other prominent features. Take cognizance of any traffic or other blockages that may slow down response time. You can explore other alternative routes for the emergency responder in the case of traffic or blockage.

Other things you can do while you wait

If it is not a lonely place, you can also ask for assistance from passersby.

The victim will still be scared and anxious. Comforting and encouraging words can help calm the person down until help arrives.

Offering encouraging words to the victim. For example, tell them they are strong and will overcome this, and reassure them that help is underway. Tell them you’re going to stay with them as long as it will take. You can hold the victim’s hand if you can. This can be a significant help to calm them down and improve chances of survival. It shows you empathise with their situation.

It is common for accident victims to be in shock due to the accident. Loosen any tight clothing and put blankets or clothing over the victim to keep the person warm. You may also shade the victim from the sun or falling rain to kee[ them in the best condition and to minimize shock.

Once emergency services arrive, let the personnel take over the person’s care. Provide them with any further information they should know about the care you’ve administered to the victim or other things you may have noticed.


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I am a pop culture and social media expert. Aside from writing about the latest news health, I also enjoy pop culture and Yoga. I have BA in American Cultural Studies and currently enrolled in a Mass-Media MA program. I like to spend my spring breaks volunteering overseas.

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