Bled to death: Girl kills friend during fight — here’s how to save bleeding patient

In a now-viral video, a girl was captured accidentally slashing her friend with a knife during a fight which eventually led to her death.

The girls were embroiled in a fight, and the now deceased girl, who was defenseless struggled with the assailant who was holding a knife. In the process, she got cut on her hand, which caused her to bleed to her death.

Other people around failed to offer first aid, which sealed her fate. The deceased and the killer are yet to the identified.

How to prevent death from bleeding

Accidents can happen at any time, and when they do, it’s essential to be prepared to handle injuries effectively. One of the most life-threatening situations that can occur is severe bleeding. Uncontrolled bleeding can lead to shock and death within minutes. Therefore, knowing what to do to prevent a bleeding patient from dying is crucial.

In this article, we will discuss several key steps you can take to provide immediate care and improve the chances of survival for someone experiencing severe bleeding. Here are the things to do to prevent a bleeding patient from dying:

1. Call for Help

The very first step in assisting a bleeding patient is to call for professional medical help immediately. Dial emergency services or have someone nearby do so. Professional medical responders have the training, equipment, and resources to provide the most effective care in such situations.

If you are in Nigeria, you can call the national emergency toll-free lines 112 and 08112000033 which are available for 24 hours to activate the nearest ambulance point.

For those in Lagos, you can call 767 or 112. You can also dial any of these numbers 08022887777, 08022883678, 08022887788, 01-7413744, 01-7930490, 01-7639939. These lines are for the Lagos State Ambulance Service.

For people in Ogun State, call 777 or 112.

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2. Ensure Safety

Before rushing to help the bleeding patient, ensure your safety and that of others. Assess the situation for any potential hazards, such as traffic, fire, or any dangerous materials, and take appropriate measures to address them. Your safety is a top priority.

3. Assess the Bleeding

Examine the patient to determine the extent of the bleeding. Try to identify the source of the bleeding and assess whether it’s arterial, venous, or capillary bleeding. Arterial bleeding tends to be bright red and spurts in time with the heartbeat, while venous bleeding is darker and flows more steadily. Capillary bleeding is usually slow and oozes.

4. Apply Direct Pressure

Direct pressure is the most effective way to control bleeding. Use a clean cloth, bandage, or your hand to apply direct pressure on the bleeding site. If blood soaks through, add more layers but avoid removing the initial ones, as this may disrupt clot formation. Continue applying pressure until professional medical help arrives.

5. Elevate the Wounded Area

If possible, elevate the injured limb or area above the level of the heart. This can help reduce blood flow to the wound and slow down bleeding. However, be cautious when doing this if there’s a risk of exacerbating a fracture or causing additional harm to the patient.

6. Use Tourniquets Sparingly

Tourniquets should only be used as a last resort when other methods fail, as they can lead to tissue damage and complications. If you need to use a tourniquet, make sure it’s at least two inches above the wound, and release it every 15-20 minutes to allow some blood flow.

7. Keep the Patient Calm

Emotional stress and anxiety can exacerbate bleeding. Try to keep the patient as calm as possible. Offer reassurance and maintain clear communication while waiting for professional help.

8. Maintain Body Temperature

Severely bleeding patients are at risk of going into shock, which can be aggravated by a drop in body temperature. Keep the patient warm by covering them with a blanket or jacket.

9. Continuous Monitoring

While waiting for medical professionals, continuously monitor the patient’s vital signs, such as their breathing and pulse. Be prepared to administer CPR if necessary.