THE SIREN by JIM COLE

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Control the Flow

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Move RIGHT for Siren and Lights

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Control the Flow

posted 05/23/2008
As a parent of three active kids, cuts and scrapes are a regular part of our lives. We have a full supply of bandage strips and gauze pads for those inevitable mishaps that running, jumping, and sometimes falling can bring. As any parent can do, the severity of the problem can be gauged by the pitch and the loudness of the scream. Any amount of bleeding brings out the highest and loudest vocalization known to mankind. Therefore, we need to investigate the true severity of the bleeding.

Bleeding occurs when the vessels that carry our blood are broken or cut. The tiniest blood vessels, our capillaries, are broken when our skin is scratched and produces the smallest amount of bleeding. Our veins carry blood back to our heart and lungs and can produce moderate bleeding which oozes more rapidly. Arteries carry fresh pressurized blood away from the heart to all parts of our bodies. When arteries are cut, this bright red blood can come shooting from the wound.

Any bleeding, no matter how fast, needs to be controlled. Here are a few basic steps to control bleeding:

1. Apply direct pressure at the site of the wound. Use something clean and absorbent to soak up the blood which you squeeze at the site of the bleeding. This simple act will stop most bleeding, most of the time within a few minutes.
   
   
2. Elevate the wound above the heart when possible. Let gravity help you. Keeping the wound elevated can slow the bleeding.
   
   
3. If bleeding is severe or uncontrolled, call 9-1-1 immediately.
   
   
4. If the first two steps are unsuccessful, then use a pressure point. A pressure point is where an artery can be compressed to stop the blood flow into an extremity. These are located wherever you can normally feel a pulse, such as under the bicep muscle of the arm or in the crease of the leg in the groin. Find a pulse in the effected limb and push it until the pulse stops. Do this in conjunction with the direct pressure and elevation.
   
   
5. If all of the steps above fail, a tourniquet may be necessary.

People taking blood thinners may bleed longer and more severely. Once the bleeding has stopped, assess the wound and contact your doctor.

Severe bleeding can lead to shock. Keep the person calm and treat for shock if necessary, by having the person lay flat on the ground and elevate the feet. Help is on the way.

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Chief Jim Cole from San Juan Island EMS has been a Nationally Registered Paramedic for more than 20 years and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Health and a Master of Art Degree in Higher Education. He is currently enrolled in the Health Sciences Master Degree Program in Emergency Services Management through George Washington University. Prior to coming to San Juan, he was the Director of the School of EMS for the Cleveland Clinic Health System. Suggestions for future topics can be sent to chief@sanjuanems.org.