How to Diagnose Signs of Blood Loss

Blood loss can occur in two ways. You can sustain an injury and bleed outside of your body or you can bleed internally. Extreme blood loss is very serious and requires immediate medical attention. Know the signs of blood loss so you can diagnose a potentially life threatening problem.

Instructions

• 1

  Look for an excessive amount of blood. Check underneath all of the limbs and under the body itself. If someone is injured and bleeding outside of their body, try to stop the bleeding with pressure and a clean dressing. Seek medical attention if the bleeding won't stop.

• 2

  Watch for abdominal swelling or pain. This is a sign of internal blood loss. If the person has been in an accident and then has sudden abdominal pain, seek medical help.

• 3

  Check all of your orifices. Search for bleeding in the mouth, nose, ears, in stool and in urine. These are more signs of internal blood loss.

• 4

  Pay attention to how the person feels. If he suddenly feels weak, faint, dizzy or cool and clammy after an injury, you might have internal bleeding. Seek medical help if don't feel right.

• 5

  Observe any vomit. If the person begins to vomit after experiencing an injury, check that there is no blood in the vomit. Blood in vomit often resembles coffee grounds. These are both signs of blood loss.

• 6

  Take the person's pulse. If there is excessive blood loss, her pulse might be weak, faint or too rapid. Seek immediate medical attention if there is blood loss and an abnormal heartbeat.