First aid brushup: Wound management - Internal Bleeding

Identification

Internal bleeding is not easy to identify, but can be suspected where the casualty has sustained a fracture, or may have suffered a ruptured internal organ, or has a history of a stomach ulcer.  Look for blood emanating from a body opening (by coughing or vomiting, trickling from the ear or nose, or passing with urine or excrement).


A casualty may show signs of shock, like cold and clammy skin, becoming pale, complaining of thist or acting in an anxious and restless manner.  Their pulse may become weak or rapid and their breathing shallower.

Management

Management options are limited.  An ambulance should be sent for immediately and the casualty kept as comfortable as possible.  If possible, raise their legs to improve blood supply to vital organs, and loosen clothing around the neck, chest and waist to assist breathing.  Do not allow them to eat or drink while waiting for the ambulance, but moisten their lips to help control thirst.

Acknowledgement

As with other posts in this series, the information supplied is from Kym Eden's Fun with First Aid (2013).