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TREATING A SERIOUS WOUND
Freak accidents that cause life-threatening injuries can happen to anyone at anytime. If you're applying first aid to a wounded person spurting bright red blood, you're probably dealing with a severed artery, which means the person could bleed to death in minutes. Be prepared:
» If the arm is wounded, apply pressure on the inside of the upper arm near the armpit, halfway between the person's biceps and triceps.
» If the leg is wounded, press against the groin area, where the torso and thigh meet.
» Elevate a wounded victim's legs to keep blood flow going, so that the person doesn't go into shock.
» Utilize a tourniquet only in dire emergencies, since its use can lead to permanent tissue damage.
» Ask your doctor about FDA-approved Quick Clot, a new product that helps blood to clot faster. It's a good addition to any first-aid kit.