Bleeding

In general

Children may cut themselves on pointed or sharp objects, and start bleeding. This may occur during play or if the child falls.

Most external bleeding on the skin of children stops by itself or after applying pressure to the wound.

More serious bleeding may develop if the cut is very deep or very large.

In the worst cases, bleeding from injuries can become life threatening unless the correct measures are started quickly to stop the bleeding. This is most important with arterial bleeding (from arteries) where the blood is pumped out in spurts and is bright red.

Venous bleeding (from veins) is darker, and oozes more slowly, but can also lead to the loss of a lot of blood in a short amount of time.

Home treatment

• Apply a compress (piece of gauze or clean cloth) and press directly on the site of the bleeding until the bleeding stops. Don't let go to look at it for at least 5 minutes! 
• Continue to press against the site of the bleeding even if the bleeding does not stop when the wound is bandaged. Elevate the wound and put pressure on the compress
• If the bleeding comes through the compress, do not remove it but apply a new compress on top and continue to exert pressure on the wound until the bleeding stops. 
• Apply a pressure bandage if there is arterial bleeding (pulsing, bright red blood). This could be a stone or other firm object placed on top of the compress, which is then held firmly in place with strips of gauze or cloth. 
• Without relaxing pressure, lift the part of the body that is bleeding so that it is higher than the child's heart. Do not move any arms or legs that could be broken and never move a child if there is any possibility of a head, neck or spinal cord injury. 
• Do not try to take out foreign bodies that are stuck in the wound. This may result in heavy bleeding. Keep the child warm; wrap clothes or rugs around him/her if you are outdoors. 
• If there are signs of circulatory failure, have the child lie down (if not already doing so) and lift the child's legs so that the blood flows to the heart and brain. Call 911 immediately. 

When to seek medical advice

See the doctor immediately or call 911 if:

• You cannot stop the bleeding or if the wound starts bleeding again. 
• There are signs of arterial bleeding (a deep wound with pulsing, bright red bleeding). 
• You suspect that your child has internal bleeding. 
• Your child has signs of shock or circulatory failure.