Doctors deal with blood loss in a patient by using a two-pronged approach. The first step in the process is to locate the source of the bleeding and stop it. The second part of the approach to treating blood loss is to administer a blood transfusion to the patient which will replace the fluids lost following an injury.
If the wound is a relatively minor one, the amount of blood loss will be small. The bleeding should stop relatively quickly without the patient needing any type of medical attention. The wound should be cleaned and covered with a bandage as it heals.
Deeper wounds which have punctured one or more veins will require some medical attention, since the blood loss associated with this type of wound is much higher. The doctor will monitor how much blood is being lost and how quickly it is leaving the body. The medical staff will make a decision whether to administer intravenous fluids to the patient as part of the treatment plan. If the wound involves bleeding out, the doctor may need to stitch it closed to stop the bleeding and help it heal.
The proper first aid procedure for a wound which is bleeding profusely is to apply pressure directly to it. If the wound is spraying or squirting blood, this is a sign that an artery has been cut. If left untreated, the patient will likely die within a few minutes. Direct pressure will need to be applied to the wound to stem the blood loss until the patient can be transported to a hospital.
Internal bleeding is a serious medical condition for a patient. When it is diagnosed, the patient will undergo surgery to locate the source of the bleeding and stop it by suturing it closed. The excess blood will be removed from the interior of the body before the incision site is closed and the patient is moved to a recovery room for observation after the surgical procedure has been completed.
In situations where a patient has experienced a significant blood loss, a transfusion may be needed. The first step in performing a blood transfusion is to insert a needle into the patient’s vein. Blood is given to the patient through a hollow tube attached to the needle. Before starting the transfusion, a test to determine the patient’s blood type is conducted so that a compatible type is given during the procedure.
