Be aware of leg injuries

Basic first aid procedures could help avoid fatal haemorrhaging in elderly people suffering a rupture of their varicose veins.

According to University of Adelaide forensic pathologist, Professor Roger Byard, a handful of elderly people die in their homes each year in Australia due to ruptured varicose veins.

Prof Byard and Dr John Gilbert recently published the results of a 10 year autopsy study on the incidence of fatal bleeding from ruptured varicose veins in the South Australian population.

The average age of people affected was 78 years and females were more likely than males to experience this.

Prof Byard said people should be aware that a minor injury could cause a varicose vein to rupture and bleed significantly.

Elderly people are at risk due to their fragile skin and tissue, so even a small bump should be monitored.

His advice is to apply a dressing with firm pressure to the site of the bleeding and to elevate the affected leg.

Seek medical help if the bleeding continues.