Bleeding and Cuts: Three P’s you should remember

External bleeding can result from injuries or accidents. Generally when your skin is cut or scrapped by an object, the injured area begins to bleed. Bleeding and cuts are often accompanied by fear and anxiety, thus causing the situation to worsen. Severe bleeding can lead to distress and loss of consciousness. Bleeding due to cuts or other wounds calls for an emergency first aid treatment to help the patient recover and prevent further damage. The best way to remember the first aid steps for bleeding & wound care treatment is to consider the 3 P’s concept:

• P – Position the patient first: Help the injured person lie down or sit in the most comfortable position. This way you can help to reduce anxiety and heart rate in the injured patient.

• P – Position the injured part: If the wound is on the arm, limb or leg, ask the patient to raise it to comfortable position in order to reduce blood flow to the injured area. Do remember that if bleeding is due to a major accident resulting in a fracture, then don’t move the injured part too much. People who take first aid training classes are often taught about the level of elevation. If you’re not trained in wound management, raise the part that’s injured without causing further discomfort to the patient.

• P – Pressure should be applied: For small cuts, remove the debris first and clean the area. Apply pressure on the wound using a bandage. Tape a fresh bandage when bleeding has stopped. In severe bleeding cases, apply direct pressure on the wound using broadfold bandage to stop further blood loss. If blood loss through the injured part continues, take the patient to the hospital or call for medical help.

Bleeding and Cuts: Three P’s you should remember

Emergency situations may vary in bleeding cases; the three P’s mentioned here will help first responders to give immediate first aid care to the patient.