Final answer:
When direct pressure fails to stop arterial hemorrhage, applying a tourniquet and monitoring for shock are crucial steps before professional medical intervention is possible. The body's response to injury includes a positive feedback mechanism that amplifies blood clotting to seal off damaged areas. In severe cases, medical interventions like intravenous fluids may be necessary to restore blood volume.
Step-by-step explanation:
When direct pressure is not successful, or there is obvious arterial hemorrhage of an extremity, immediate actions are necessary to control the bleeding and prevent severe blood loss. In case of severe hemorrhage, alternate methods of stopping the blood flow must be employed. Procedures such as applying a tourniquet to the limb above the wound can be life-saving by restricting blood flow to the affected extremity in a controlled manner. It can buy crucial time for the patient until emergency medical services arrive or until the victim can be transported to a healthcare facility. While waiting for professional medical assistance, continually monitoring the victim for signs of shock or other complications is essential.
Furthermore, the body's response to extreme damage includes a cascade of events that collectively increase blood pressure and promote blood clotting. When a blood vessel is injured, substances released by the damaged blood vessel wall initiate clotting, and each step of clotting stimulates the release of more clotting factors, thereby amplifying the response and helping to seal off the injury site.
In cases where medical intervention is necessary to restore blood volume, techniques like intravenous fluid replacement might be employed to stabilize the patient and recover from the blood loss. It's crucial to assess the risk of blood loss and provide adequate access to fluids, especially in scenarios where the blood loss is estimated to be at least 500 ml (or 7 ml/kg of body weight, in children), to ensure proper resuscitation and recovery.