Hemorrhage can be mild such as in nose bleed, or severe as in a severed limb. The effects of hemorrhage depends on the amount and rate of blood loss. Over about 30% of blood volume or 1.5 liters is considered life threatening. The most common organ to fail due to severe hemorrhage is the kidneys which results in death. Ensure your own safety
The ABCs of Bleeding
■ A – Alert – call 9-1-1
■ B – Bleeding – find the bleeding injury
■ C – Compress – apply pressure to stop the bleeding by: 1. Covering the wound with a clean cloth and applying pressure by pushing directly on it with both hands, OR 2. Using a tourniquet, OR 3. Packing (stuffing) the wound with gauze or a clean cloth and then applying pressure with both hands. We will go over each of these points as we go through this booklet.
