The Three Types of Bleeding

Let’s talk about the three types of bleeding and their differences.

The first one and the most important one is the arterial bleeding. We can recognize arterial bleeding by the bright red color of the blood and the way it spurts out from the blood vessel.

Depending on the location and the way the artery was severed, the artery can seal and constrict by itself. And is like a rubber band, it will constrict and go all the way up towards the pelvis when its ruptured, (if we are dealing with the femoral artery for example). That’s why when you are applying a tourniquet it should be placed as high as possible, to make sure we are compressing that artery against muscle and bones.

Arterial bleeding is a profuse bleeding and if not treated on time, that casualty will probably die in one to two minutes.

To treat an arterial bleeding use a tourniquet and put direct pressure on the area with a compression gauze or with the heel of your hand. The idea is not to absorb the blood, but to slow down the bleeding while the platelets do their part to create the coagulation in that area.

If available, you can use a hemostatic dressing like QuickClot. These dressings accelerate the coagulation and clotting process.

Another way to stop the arterial bleeding is by putting pressure on “pressure points” against bone. Imagine a hose and water is running through it. You can stop that flow of water by putting pressure directly on the hose.

Be aware of patients that are using blood thinners for high blood pressure. Because the blood is not as thick and is watery, it will be harder to control.

The second type of bleeding would be the venous bleeding

Venous bleeding is dark red or pretty much almost black. That type of bleeding is easier to stop because is more like a steady flow coming out of the wound.

The veins carry blood with all the waste and carbon dioxide, that’s why is darker blood. The arteries carry blood full of oxygen and nutrients ready to be distributed to the cells and tissues all over your body.

With an open or severed veins, air can get inside and affect the heart's ability to pump.

The third type of bleeding would be the capillary bleeding.

This type of bleeding is way easier to control. Is slow oozing bleeding.

Capillary bleeding would be a smaller or minor wounds.

With this type of bleeding just put direct pressure with gauze and should be good.

I personally used a hemostatic dressing on the skin when treating these wounds.

Like I mentioned before, the idea is not to absorb the blood, so don’t replace the dressing. If the first dressing is too full of blood, put another one on top to support the first one. Also, by replacing the dressing we can increase the possibilities of contamination.

Once the bleeding has stopped then we can consider IV fluids if no head injuries are involved. We can also give pain meds and treat for hypothermia. Make sure the casualty is covered and in temperature. After losing too much blood our bodies get cold then we would have to deal with other issues.