Blood loss; Open injury bleeding

• Blood coming from an open wound
• Bruising
• Shock, which may cause any of the following symptoms:
  • Confusion or decreasing alertness
  • Clammy skin
  • Dizziness or light-headedness after an injury
  • Low blood pressure
  • Paleness (pallor)
  • Rapid pulse, increased heart rate
  • Shortness of breath
  • Weakness

Symptoms of internal bleeding may also include:

• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Chest pain
• External bleeding through a natural opening
  • Blood in the stool (appears black, maroon, or bright red)
  • Blood in the urine (appears red, pink, or tea-colored)
  • Blood in the vomit (looks bright red, or brown like coffee-grounds)
  • Vaginal bleeding (heavier than usual or after menopause)
• Skin color changes that occur several days after an injury (skin may black, blue, purple, yellowish green)

Images

Stopping bleeding with direct pressure

Stopping bleeding with a tourniquet

Stopping bleeding with pressure and ice

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Bleeding Overview

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Bleeding Treatment

Review Date: 02/11/2011
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)