HOW TO CONTROL HEMORRHAGE by D. N. Patterson, M. D.

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 24, 1887

HOW TO CONTROL HEMORRHAGE.

By D. N. Patterson, M. D.

THERE are three kinds of hemorrhage—arterial, venous, and internal. Arterial hemorrhage is that which comes from the arteries, and consists of bright red blood which comes in spurts. When this is seen, leave everything else and stop that at once. The safest and surest way of doing this is to make steady, firm, and equal pressure between the wound and the heart. If you do not know where the large arteries are, or their course, then grasp the limb firmly above the wound and continue to do so until help comes. There is no danger of pressing too tight if you use your hands, but if you have long to wait it is better to use a stout bandage, or large handkerchief, wound tightly around the limb; and a pencil, or small piece of wood, slipped through the bandage and turned screw fashion, will enable you to hold it more evenly and securely.

If the hemorrhage comes from the veins, the blood will be of a darker color and flow slower and more sluggishly. From this kind of bleeding there is less danger, although prompt measures should be used to check it. This may usually be done by the use of cold water, ice, sometimes hot water, or by simply applying a firm, strong bandage. The custom which is common among wood-choppers of doing up a cut in its own blood has many points in its favor, nor is it unscientific. It is important to remember that, if the wound be a large one, care should be exercised to keep out the air as much as possible. At the same time be sure to remove from the wound all foreign bodies, such as dirt, glass, shreds of clothing, etc.

Internal hemorrhage may be recognized by the extreme prostration of the patient, partial loss of consciousness, pallor of the face and lips, and a feeble pulse. In such cases send at once for a physician, moisten lips with water, and occasionally give a little to drink if patient calls for it. Do not use stimulants, as they stimulate the heart, and only increase the hemorrhage. Rest and quiet are important things to be remembered. If feet and legs feel cold, bottles or bags of hot water may be put around them.—D. N. Patterson, M. D., in Congregationalist.