OBG is right, it's all in your head. If it makes you feel better, take Geritol (iron for anemia) for a few days before you donate blood for any reason.

I had some serious blood loss (we won't go into details) a few years ago. Here's how it goes:

Psychologically, you may feel funny right away. This is just the fear factor. Settle down & apply pressure with a lump of bandage or a fingertip if it's small, or the heel of your hand if it's larger. If it requires the heel of your hand, you need medical assistance. Call 911 or have someone take you. You can't drive and hold pressure at the same time, so don't try to do it yourself unless there are simply no other options. Asking a stranger for help is an option.

If the bleeding is due to trauma, you may be feeling the beginnings of shock. Deal with the most life-threatening of the injuries first. You can bleed out from a large arterial tear in 1.5 to 2 minutes. You'll be unconscious very quickly, so move fast or give instructions to someone nearby, preferably not an idiot.

If you can't stop mild but continuous bleeding due to lack of access (internal, etc), and you can't get to medical attention right away, try to drink a cup of water every hour to keep your blood pressure stable. (This is from my doctor.)

As you continue to lose blood, you really start feeling sick. You will feel weak and probably start to vomit because you're going into shock. You'll be shivering. You aren't focusing on anything else except how awful you feel. If you are lying down and then you sit up, you will probably vomit and possibly pass out. Raising the victim's legs will help keep what blood is still in the body in the important areas, the chest, heart and brain.

If you need to apply a pressure bandage, see the instructions below. A pressure bandage is either held in place with your hand or a wrap-around bandage with a lump over the bleeding. The lump can be a stack of gauze squares, a handkerchief or a torn piece of clothing folded several times, etc. It doesn't have to be sterile, so use what you've got.

Please pay attention to the parts below where they mention peeking (don't), removing the bandage to apply a fresh bandage (don't), signs of flow restriction to the arm, leg or brain, and the inadvisibility of using tourniquets.

http://216.18.138.197/Bleeding_Control.asp

http://www.survival-center.com/firstaid/bleed.htm

http://www.permanente.net/homepage/handbook/healthwisehandbook/ch_03/ch_03_cuts.htm

A 150-lb person has about 5.25 quarts of blood in them. Most people can donate a pint (10%) with no ill effects.

If they lose 15-30% of their blood (3 cups to 1.5 quarts), they will probably look pale and have a rapid heartbeat, their skin will feel cool, and they may act odd. They should have IV fluids, but usually don't need a transfusion. Their own body can replace it in a week.

If they lose 30-40% (1.5 to 2 quarts), their blood pressure drops, the heart rate increases & their mental status gets worse. They will need both IV fluids and a blood transfusion.

If they lose more than 40% of their blood, they will need a lot of help to avoid death.

BTW, transfusions are a temporary loam of red blood cells to carry oxygen. Your body can replace them after a while, but until you do, you will find that climbing a few steps will make you sweat and pant! <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> So, don't make any plans for any immediate vigorous exercise.

Sue ("Liver? You want me to eat LIVER? YUCK!!!")