Minimising blood loss in injuries

It is important to note that losing a lot of blood cause serious damages ,babies have approximately 750 ml of blood ,children about 2,5 litres sand adults about 6 litres  .Blood loss should be minimized to avoid loss of life and serious damages .This should be done by first aid ,the main purpose of first aid here is to minimize blood loss and to decrease swelling and pain .The following procedure can be followed  :

1)REST

Sit the person down away from the action –this is important since it may  help in  isolating the injured from all further damages .The injured can be placed in a place where the injury  cannot become worse .

2)ICE

For continuous 20 minutes ice should be applied ,it constricts the blood vessels around the injury and minimize blood loss  and swelling .It should be crushed ice placed in the middle of a damp towel ,or an ice pack that is kept in first aid kits or in the fridge  .Ice should not be applied  directly to the skin ,it should be wrapped  in  a wet cloth. Ice should  be applied at least once every hour for mild injuries for 24 hours and up to 72hours for severe injury.

3)COMPRESSION

Compression should be done using an elastic bandage  applied around  the injured area to restrict internal bleeding and reduce swelling .

4)ELEVATION

The injured part should be raised so it is above the level of the heart .This reduce blood flow to the injured area ,therefore  reducing blood loss and swelling .

5)REFERRAL

The injured should be referred  to a qualified  medical assistance for a complete appraisal of the injury .This will ensure correct treatment and speedy rehabilitation .

6)STRETCH

The injured muscle should be kept in a stretched position during treatment .If the management plan is well carried out ,then recovery will be enhanced

This plan is continued for the first  48 hours after the injury has occurred ,the reason is that this is how long a soft –tissue injury will bleed .If you are certain that internal bleeding has stopped after 48 hours ,you can commence with the recovery phase of the treatment .

After 48 hours the objective is to :heal ,stretch  and strengthen

Heal

The body will begin the healing process naturally .It will try to remove the swelling and bruising .You can assist this process by applying heat  to the area ,do not be too rough ,you may start the bleeding again .

STRETCH

This is just moving the injured area ,increasing activity within the limits of pain .Move the injured area until it tells you to stop .Early stretching will help the area regain full flexibility and minimize scarring under the surface .

STRENGTHEN

Once stretching has increased mobility ,attempt put weight on the injury progressively ,again ,pain has to be your guide

Following the guidelines help in minimize blood loss and swelling and also promote recovery, remem