Arterial bleeding is bleeding that develops from the arteries. Arteries provide the supply of blood from the heart to various parts and tissues of the body, so blood flows through them at high pressure. Arterial bleeding is characterized by blood flowing from the wound in a strong and pulsating stream, often bright red in color because it is rich in oxygen. Causes Arterial bleeding can be caused by a variety of reasons, including: • Trauma: for example, gunshot wounds, car accidents, blunt force trauma. • Medical procedures: arteries damaged by mistake during operations or medical manipulations. • Diseases: for example, aneurysm of arteries or other vascular pathologies. First aid in case of arterial bleeding is important to act quickly and correctly. First aid includes: • call 911 immediately, • direct pressure on open arterial bleeding - use clean clothing, a bandage or other available means to apply pressure to the wound. • If possible, elevate the injured area to reduce bleeding. • Applying a tourniquet – if direct pressure does not help and the bleeding is profuse, a tourniquet may need to be applied, but it must be done correctly to avoid further complications. Complications If the arterial bleeding is not stopped in time, it can cause: • Hemorrhagic shock (a clinical condition caused by the loss of a large amount of blood, resulting in a sharp drop in blood pressure and irreversible organ dysfunction). • Arterial bleeding is life-threatening. • Infection: Open wounds are always a risk of infection, especially if they are insufficiently clean or inadequately treated. A large number of people worldwide die each year from arterial bleeding, especially from arterial bleeding caused by trauma. In the United States, hemorrhage accounts for approximately 30-40% of all trauma deaths. On a global scale, this figure is much higher (BioMed Central) (Springer). Arterial bleeding is a critical condition that requires immediate and competent action. Timely and correct first aid can be crucial to save a person's life and prevent complications.
