BLEEDING

Bleeding can be serious or trivial and it is not always possible to be sure how important an episode of bleeding actually is.Bleeding can take place from (Click on the links):

• Surface wounds
• Internal injuries
• Orifices
  • Mouth
  • Nose
  • Ears
  • Anus
  • Vagina

Bleeding can also result from abnormalities of blood clotting

Effects of blood loss:

If blood is lost in sufficient quantity over a relatively short period of time then there are inevitable consequences. These will vary according to age and size - older people are less able to adjust to blood loss than younger people and small children have a smaller blood volume so in both groups the effects of blood loss will be apparent sooner and with smaller quantities.These effects are:

• Speeding up of the pulse.
• Reduction in blood pressure.
• Dizziness.
• Cold sweats.
• Cold pale periferies.
• Gasping for air - "air hunger"

With the exception of lowered blood pressure - which requires special equipment - all the other symptoms and signs can easily be observed by anyone and they may well indicate major blood loss. They need to be taken especially seriously if internal bleeding is suspected. Urgent transfer to hospital is necessary if you suspect major blood loss - paramedic ambulances have the equipment to set up a drip which can be life-saving in these circumstances.

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