Step 3 » GENERAL learning environment Category B (B, B1)

The hemorrhage can be external, when the blood flows outside the body, or internal, when the vascular rupture occurs inside the organism (as it happens in fractures or in the case of the rupture of an organ) and the blood accumulates inside the body. In this case we are talking about an external hemorrhage at the level of a limb (arm or leg).

A hemorrhage appearing at the level of a limb of an injured person can be stopped as follows:

• when the hemorrhage is of reduced intensity (minor), it can be stopped by applying direct pressure on the injured vessel, using a compressive dressing. The wound is covered with several sterile compresses or, if these are not available, with clean pieces of cloth (such as handkerchiefs or clothes), and the pressure is applied either with the palm or with the help of a bandage;
• when the hemorrhage is of great intensity (massive), it can be stopped by applying a tourniquet. This is an elastic strap used to control hemorrhages that cannot be stopped by other methods, being frequently used in the case of wounds at the level of the limbs. The tourniquet is applied above the wound, to reduce the arterial pressure in the affected area and to stop the blood flow. In the absence of a tourniquet, a scarf, strap, belt, tie, cord, elastic etc. can be used. If you do not have a tourniquet at hand, improvised materials can be used, such as a scarf, strap, belt, tie or cord. It is important that the tourniquet is not applied directly on the skin, but over a layer of soft material, such as a bandage. Also, a note must be attached on which the exact time of application is written, essential information for the medical teams.

Although in the past it was recommended to loosen the tourniquet every 15 minutes to allow the blood supply to the limb, the practice is no longer recommended at present, because it can worsen the condition of the victim. Consult specialized personnel by calling 112 before performing this maneuver.

The correct answer is: C

Recommendations:

First aid course --> First aid course