Hemorrhage

Hemorrhage, when caused by an artery being divided or torn, may be

known by the blood issuing out of the wound in leaps or jerks, and

being of a bright scarlet color. If a vein is injured, the blood is

darker and flows continuously. To arrest the latter, apply pressure by

means of a compress and bandage. To arrest arterial bleeding, get a

piece of wood (part of a broom handle will do), and tie a piece of tape

to one en of it; then tie a piece of tape loosely over the arm, and

pass the other end of the wood under it; twist the stick round and

round until the tape compresses the arm sufficiently to arrest the

bleeding, and then confine the other end by tying the string around the

arm. A compress made by enfolding a penny piece in several folds of

lint or linen should, however, be first placed under the tape and over

the artery. If the bleeding is very obstinate, and it occurs in the

arm, place a cork underneath the string, on the inside of the fleshy

part, where the artery may be felt beating by anyone, if in the leg,

place a cork in the direction of a line drawn from the inner part of

the knee towards the outer part of the groin. It is an excellent thing

to accustom yourself to find out the position of these arteries, or,

indeed, any that are superficial, and to explain to every person in

your house where they are, and how to stop bleeding. If a stick cannot

be got, take a handkerchief, make a cord bandage of it, and tie a knot

in the middle; the knot acts as a compress, and should be placed over

the artery, while the two ends are to be tied around the thumb. Observe

always to place the ligature between the wound and the heart. Putting

your finger into a bleeding wound, and making pressure until a surgeon

arrives, will generally stop violent bleeding.