Internal Bleeding: What to know, what to do...

Bleeding You Cannot See

Any accident involving a forceful impact to the body potentially could cause internal injury. If bleeding begins inside the body, the situation is very serious and 911 Emergency Medical Assistance should be called immediately.

You should suspect Internal Bleeding (Bleeding You Cannot See) When You See:

Ø      Tender, swollen, hard, or bruised parts of the body, such as the chest or abdomen

Ø      Rapid, weak pulse

Ø      Skin that feels moist or cool, or looks pale or bluish

Ø      Vomiting blood, or coughing up blood

Ø      Extreme thirst

Ø      Changes of consciousness, drowsy, faint, confused, or losing consciousness

What to do for Internal Bleeding:

Ø      Call 911 Emergency Medical Services

Ø      Help the victim remain calm and as comfortable as possible

Ø      Do not give the victim water to drink

Ø      Stabilize the victim’s position so that, if they should lose consciousness, they cannot fall, risking further injury

Ø      Continue to watch over the victim, in case they develop a problem with airway, breathing, or circulation

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