Having a first-aid kit within easy reach is essential to dealing with bleeding injuries. Sterile gauze, pads, adhesive bandages, and medical tape are all important.
Independent living in Alaska brings beauty and adventure, but it also brings risks that can lead to injuries right in your own home. A simple fall or a cut in the kitchen can turn serious with a quickness. Knowing how to stop bleeding and when to call for help can save your life.
First, let's talk about when bleeding needs emergency care. If blood is spurting or pouring out and does not slow down after a few minutes, call 911 right away. If you feel dizzy, weak, or confused while bleeding, that is also a sign to call for help right away. A cut that is deep, gaping open, or caused by something dirty or rusty needs medical attention too. When in doubt, it is always better to make the call.
If you are alone and bleeding, stay calm. Panic makes your heart beat faster, which can make bleeding worse. Find a clean cloth, towel, or even a clean piece of clothing. Fold it into a thick pad and press it against the wound. Keep pressing it with steady pressure. No matter how tempted you are to do so, do not lift the cloth to peek underneath because that can restart the bleeding. If the first cloth gets soaked through, place another clean cloth on top of the first one and keep pressing. Hold the pressure for at least 10 minutes before checking.
If the bleeding is on your arm or leg and nothing seems broken, raise that limb above the level of your heart while you keep pressing. Gravity will help slow the blood flow. Once the bleeding slows, wrap the cloth around the wound with tape or strips of fabric to hold it in place. Do not make it so tight that your fingers or toes turn numb or change color.
Prevention is just as important as knowing how to respond. Many bleeding injuries in seniors start with a fall. Keep your walkways clear of clutter, cords, and loose rugs. Make sure your home has good lighting, especially along the path from your bedroom to the bathroom. Wear shoes with nonslip soles instead of walking around in socks. In the kitchen, use a cutting board with a rubber grip and keep knives sharp, because dull knives slip. Store heavy items at waist height so you do not need to reach up high or bend down low.
In Alaska, winter adds extra danger. Ice and snow make more likely to slip and fall. Keep sand near your door for traction. Ice melt is not a good alternative unless mixed with sand, because it will melt the snow and create water on top of the ice and increase the slip risk. Wear boots with treads when you go outside. If you use a cane or walker, check that the rubber tips are not worn smooth.
It is also wise to keep a well-stocked first aid kit where you can reach it with ease. Include sterile gauze pads, adhesive bandages, medical tape, and a pair of clean disposable gloves. Keep emergency phone numbers written in large print near your phone, including 911, your doctor, and a neighbor or family member who lives nearby.
For more information about first aid, contact your local senior center and ask about free guides and local classes to help you stay safe.
Christian M. Hartley is an Alaska resident with three decades of public safety and public service experience. He lives in Big Lake.
