Bleeding, especially external skin bleeding, occurs when children cut themselves on pointed or sharp objects. Most skin bleeding stops by itself or after pressure is applied to the wound, but more serious bleeding may develop if the cut is very deep or large. Types of bleeding include arterial bleeding (from arteries), when the blood is pumped out in spurts and is bright red, and venous bleeding (from veins), when blood oozes more slowly and is dark red.
In the worst cases, bleeding can become life-threatening unless the correct measures are taken quickly. No matter what type of bleeding your child has, it is important to make certain that circulatory failure and loss of consciousness does not develop. If too much blood is lost, the heart will not have enough blood to pump around the body, the blood pressure will fall, and shock will occur. The danger signals of shock are a fast pulse, paleness, coldness, clammy skin, and dizziness. Fainting will occur as a result of the shock.
Do not try to take out foreign bodies that are stuck in the wound, which may result in heavy bleeding. Try to keep the child warm; wrap clothes or rugs around him/her if you are outdoors.
Venous Bleeding
For venous bleeding, the blood is dark red and usually oozes or seeps from the wound in an even amount. Bleeding stops by itself or after pressure or a compress is applied to the wound. Follow these steps to stop venous bleeding.
Arterial Bleeding
For arterial bleeding, blood is bright red and pumps out of the wound in spurts from a deep or large wound. Arterial bleeding is an emergency, as it can cause a life-threatening loss of blood. Follow these steps to stop arterial bleeding.
Always call 911 or the doctor immediately if:
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