Bleeding within the body may follow an injury, such as a fracture or a penetrating wound, but it can also happen spontaneously, i.e. bleeding from a stomach ulcer. Internal bleeding is serious – shock can develop. Accumulated blood can also apply serious pressure on vital organs.
Suspect internal bleeding if signs of shock develop without obvious blood loss. At the site of a violent injury there may be “pattern bruising” – discoloration with the pattern of clothing or crushing objects. There may also be blood at body orifices; it can be either fresh or mixed with the contents of the injured organs.
Look for:
Pale Skin
Cold, clammy skin
Rapid, weak pulse
Pain
Thirst
Confusion, restlessness and irritability, leading to collapse and unconsciousness
Pattern bruising
Bleeding from orifices
TREATMENT
1. Help the victim lie down, and raise and support his legs. Loosen clothing at the neck, chest and the waist.
2. Dial 911. Keep the victim warm. Monitor and record breathing, pulse, and level of response every 10 minutes.
3. Note the type, amount, and source of any blood loss from body orifices.
BLEEDING FROM THE EAR
Bleeding from the inside of the ear may follow a rupture of the eardrum. A foreign body, a blow to the side of the head, or an explosion, can cause this. The victim may feel a sharp pain as the eardrum ruptures, followed by earache and partial deafness.
If bleeding follows a head injury, the blood may be thin and watery. This indicates a skull fracture and cerebrospinal fluid is leaking from around the brain.