BASIC EMERGENCY PROCEDURE: SEVERE EXTERNAL BLEEDING
If you are not alone with the victim, have someone call for an ambulance while you apply pressure to the wound. Place a thick, clean compress, such as sterile gauze or a soft, clean cloth directly and firmly over the entire wound. Don’t try to remove any objects that may be embedded in the wound, because that could worsen the bleeding.
Unless doing so causes the victim pain, you should elevate the wounded area. Cover the cloth or gauze with a bandage, tying or taping it in place. If blood soaks through the compress, do not remove it— instead, add another pad over the first compress, and continue to apply pressure.
C) Seal your lips around the victim’s mouth and give two full breaths of 1 to 1 1/2 seconds each. Remove your mouth after each exhalation and take a deep breath.
D) Turn your head toward the victim’s chest, with your ear just above his or her mouth. Listen for air being exhaled and watch the victim’s chest. Continue breathing into the victim’s mouth at a rate of 12 breaths per minute for an adult, 15 per minute for a child.
If you are alone with the victim, call for an ambulance after one minute and then resume resuscitation efforts. Check for a pulse and breathing every minute.
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