Question

How long does it take to bleed out from a stab wound?.

Answer 1

Explanation:

Consider a stab wound in upper abdomen which has pierced through upper/ventral wall of stomach. This is what medically called as gastric perforation and requires emergency surgical management within 4 to 12 hours of injury. If left unattended the person will develope distension of abdomen with vomitting within 4 to 6 hrs, fever within 12 hrs, all because of infection spreading to rest of abdomen ( medically called Peritonitis). If no surgery is undertaken the person will die due to sepsis within 24 to 48 hrs.

Situation 2: stab would injuring major vessel or even liver will pool blood in abdomen ( medically Hemoperitonium) will further worsen the situation and wld need more intensive management. If not treated properly such person can die within 6 to 12 hrs due to hypovoluemic shock.