b'External BleedingChapter hapterTypes of Bleeding from Blood VesselsArteriesThese are thick-walled muscular vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the tissues of the body. The blood is bright red in colour, due to the high oxygen content. As blood moves through the vessel, it will expand the artery with each heartbeat. If an artery is severed, blood loss is high and will spurt with each beat.VeinsVeins are less muscular with thinner walls and carry oxygen-depleted blood towards the heart. Blood is dark red in colour and will flow freely from a wound. Blood loss can be significant if not controlled.CapillariesThese comprise of a single layer of cells that allow oxygen and nutrients to pass through into the tissues. Carbon dioxide and waste products are also removed through capillaries. Capillaries will steadily ooze bright red coloured blood from a wound. Blood loss is generally minimal.How to Manage Apply direct pressure on or around the wound preferably with a clean pad and secure the pad with a bandage. This will help restrict the flow of blood Direct and allow the normal clotting process to occur. Make sure the bandage Pressure is tight enough to maintain pressure but not so tight that it impairs circulation. For infection control, use protective gloves if available. There is no evidence that elevating a bleeding part will help control bleeding. There is also potential to cause more pain or injury.If bleeding from a limb is severe / life-threatening and not controlled by pressure, apply an arterial tourniquet above the bleeding point, if trained in its use. If a tourniquet is not available or has failed to stop the bleeding, apply a haemostatic dressing, if trained in its use and one is available. A haemostatic dressing contains an agent that slows normal blood flow and increases blood clotting. This causes blood constriction (tightening) to avoid the excessive flow of blood through the vessels.Rest and reassure the patient because this helps slow the heart rate, Rest minimise shock and reduces blood loss. Advise the patient to lie down and remain still if possible. Restrict movement by immobilizing a bleeding limb.When bleeding is severe, shock can develop quickly, and the patient will become quite distressed. Conscious state can deteriorate rapidly and if bleeding is not controlled, the patients heart could stop.Bleeding 69'