What is true about wounds to large veins?

Wounds to large veins are characterized by producing a steady flow of blood that is typically darker in color compared to arterial bleeding. This is due to the lower oxygen content in venous blood, which has already delivered oxygen to the tissues and is returning to the heart. The steady flow occurs because veins are under lower pressure than arteries, allowing for continuous bleeding without the spurting associated with arterial wounds.

The darker color of venous blood is a key indicator of injury to a vein, as it signals that the blood has circulated through the body's tissues. Understanding this helps in assessing the type of vascular injury and determining the appropriate first aid measures, such as applying direct pressure to control the bleeding.