(In the absence of other antiseptics, the wound, after thorough washing, may be dressed with carbolic oil or Friar’s balsam, or boric or iodoform ointment applied on lint.)
Bleeding or Hæmorrhage.
General oozing from small vessels may be stopped by means of a pad made of a piece of antiseptic wool or gauze, firmly bandaged over the bleeding area.
When a large vessel, whether an artery or a vein, is cut across, profuse bleeding will take place, and immediate steps must be taken to stop this whilst suitable instruments are being obtained. (In bleeding from an artery, the blood spurts out in quick jerking jets; if coming from a vein, the blood flows in a steady continuous stream.) Pressure should therefore be applied, by means of the thumb or thumbs, or a tourniquet,[18] in the course of the vessel, either above or below the injury—nearer to the body than the wound if the bleeding is from an artery (Fig. 3), and beyond the wound if the bleeding is from a vein.
It will be found that the bleeding can be controlled more effectually, and with greater ease, if the vessel is compressed against a neighbouring bone.
No more pressure should be exerted than is just sufficient to stop the flow of blood.
Whilst pressure is being applied, the wound should be cleansed with some antiseptic lotion, and a wedge-shaped pad of antiseptic gauze applied and firmly held in position by a bandage.
Bleeding from the hand or forearm can generally be immediately arrested by forcibly bending up the forearm at the elbow-joint.
If these measures effectually control the bleeding, the pressure should be kept up for an hour or two, after which time it may be cautiously relaxed. If, after the removal of the pressure, the hæmorrhage seems to have ceased (as judged by the pad which has been kept in position not trickling with blood), apply a large pad of wool over the original dressing, and bandage this firmly. Dress the wound very carefully on the third day.