Wounds & Bleeding

What is the first step in treating severe bleeding?

• AApply a tourniquet immediately
• BWash the wound with water
• CApply direct pressure with clean material✓
• DGive the casualty an aspirin

Answer: The first step is to apply firm, direct pressure with clean material (sterile dressing or clean cloth) to control bleeding.

What should you do if blood soaks through a dressing?

• ARemove the dressing to check the wound
• BApply another dressing on top without removing the first✓
• CLeave it as it is
• DApply ice immediately

Answer: Do not remove the first dressing as this may disturb clots. Apply another dressing on top and maintain pressure. If bleeding is severe, this is a sign to call 999.

When should a tourniquet be applied to control bleeding?

• AFor all bleeding wounds
• BOnly for life-threatening limb bleeding that cannot be controlled by direct pressure✓
• CNever in first aid
• DFor minor cuts only

Answer: A tourniquet should only be applied as a last resort for severe, life-threatening limb bleeding when direct pressure and elevation have failed.

Where should a tourniquet be placed on a limb?

• AOver the wound itself
• BBelow the wound (between the wound and the hand/foot)
• CAbove the wound, as high as possible on the limb✓
• DAround the joint

Answer: A tourniquet should be placed above the wound, as high as possible on the limb, to cut off blood supply to the wound.

What should be done with an embedded object in a wound?

• ARemove it immediately
• BDo not remove it; apply pressure around it and secure it with dressings✓
• CTry to wiggle it out slowly
• DPour water over it to flush it out

Answer: Never remove an embedded object. It may be plugging the wound and controlling bleeding. Secure it in place with bulky dressings and get medical help.

What is the appropriate action for a partially severed limb or amputation?

• ADiscard the severed part
• BAttempt to reattach it yourself
• CKeep the severed part, wrap it in clean material, and place it in ice. Transport with the casualty.✓
• DRinse the severed part in water

Answer: Keep the severed part, wrap it in clean cloth (not directly in ice), place it in a plastic bag, and put the bag in ice. Transport it with the casualty for possible reattachment.

How should you treat a casualty with a nosebleed?

• ATilt the head back to prevent bleeding
• BSit upright, lean slightly forward, pinch the nose for 10-15 minutes, and breathe through the mouth✓
• CLie flat on the back
• DPack the nose with cotton immediately

Answer: Sit upright and lean slightly forward to prevent blood from running down the back of the throat. Pinch the soft part of the nose firmly for 10-15 minutes.

What are the signs of internal bleeding?

• AVisible external bleeding only
• BPale skin, rapid pulse, dizziness, abdominal pain, and weakness✓
• CBruising on the face only
• DNo external signs

Answer: Signs include pale, clammy skin, rapid pulse, dizziness, weakness, abdominal pain, and possible dark vomit or stools. Internal bleeding is life-threatening.

What should you do if you suspect internal bleeding?

• AGive the casualty lots of fluids
• BLay them flat
• CCall 999 immediately and keep the casualty lying down and warm✓
• DMassage the abdomen

Answer: Call 999 immediately for suspected internal bleeding. Keep the casualty lying down, warm, and reassured. Do not give food or drink.

How should you position a casualty with a head wound that is bleeding?

• ALie them completely flat
• BTilt the head back
• CSit them upright with slight elevation of the head✓
• DPlace them in the recovery position immediately

Answer: Sit the casualty upright with the head slightly elevated to reduce bleeding pressure. Support the head and neck in case of spinal injury.

What is the correct procedure for cleaning a minor wound?

• AUse rough materials to scrub away debris
• BRinse gently with clean water, pat dry, and apply an antiseptic if needed✓
• CLeave debris in the wound
• DApply dressing without cleaning

Answer: Rinse the wound gently with clean running water to remove debris, pat dry with clean material, and apply an appropriate dressing.

What is the purpose of elevation in treating a bleeding wound?

• ATo make the wound visible
• BTo reduce swelling only
• CTo use gravity to reduce bleeding and pressure at the wound✓
• DTo prevent movement

Answer: Elevation uses gravity to reduce blood pressure in the wound area, helping to control bleeding when combined with direct pressure.