New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

What is a characteristic of arterial bleeding?

1. Flows continuously from the wound

2. Flows from the wound in distinct spurts

3. Is dark and viscous in appearance

4. Is easily controlled with direct pressure

The correct answer is: Flows from the wound in distinct spurts

Arterial bleeding is characterized by blood that flows from the wound in distinct spurts. This pulsating flow corresponds with the heartbeat, as arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart under high pressure. The rhythmic spurting is a crucial indicator, as it usually suggests that an artery has been severed or seriously damaged. Recognizing this pattern is critical for EMTs and first responders, as it typically indicates a more severe type of bleeding that can lead to rapid blood loss and necessitates immediate medical intervention. In contrast, continuous bleeding is more characteristic of venous bleeding, which lacks the pulsatile nature seen in arterial injuries. The color and viscosity of arterial blood are also different, with arterial blood being bright red and less viscous than that from veins. Therefore, understanding these characteristics is essential for proper assessment and management of bleeding in emergency scenarios.