Bleeding

When someone is bleeding severely, it can be distressing and scary.

Acting quickly and getting the bleeding under control is the most important thing to do.

Learn about the actions to take if someone is bleeding severely 👇

Emergency Advice ⚠️

If someone is bleeding severely:

Apply direct pressure to the wound (Press around anything embedded)
Call 999 or 112 and send for a first aid kit
Treat the casualty for shock
Secure the wound with a dressing to maintain pressure

Actions to take

Wearing gloves when applying a dressing to a bleeding arm

Gloves on

Due to the risk of infection from open wounds and blood, wear protective gloves if possible to prevent cross infection

Learner demonstrating applying pressure to bleeding arm

Apply Pressure

Apply direct pressure to the wound using a sterile dressing or clean cloth to stop the bleeding

if you don’t have anything you can get the casualty to apply pressure themselves
Expose the wound by removing or cutting clothing to uncover it
if there is an embedded object, DO NOT pull it out, it could be acting like a ‘plug’. Instead apply pressure on either side, pushing the edges together

Call 999

Call 999 or 112 for an ambulance, inform them of the location of the wound and the extent of the bleeding. Send for a first aid kit. You could ask a helper to do this.

Use the hands free function on your phone if there is no one to help

Trainer holding a wound pad up to a bleeding arm

Dress the wound

Secure your dressing in place with the bandage to maintain pressure on the wound. You do not want to cut off circulation but ensure there is enough pressure to control the bleeding

First aiders practicing bleeding management

Ensure circulation

To ensure there is still circulation past the bandage, check the casualty’s circulation by pushing firmly onto their nail or skin for 5 seconds until it turns pale, then release the pressure, if colour returns then it suggests adequate circulation, if there is no colour return within 2 seconds the bandage is too tight and you may have to loosen it slightly or reapply the bandage.

Trainer demonstrating effective shock positioning of laying down with legs elevated for a bleeding learner

Treat for Shock

Your casualty may develop shock from blood loss. Some common signs are them becoming pale, cold and clammy. Treat them for shock by laying them down and elevate and support their legs above their heart. Loosen tight clothing and anything restrictive and keep them warm with a blanket or coat

2nd Dressing?

If blood comes through the dressing, remove it and apply a fresh dressing. It may be that there was not enough pressure or the dressing was incorrectly placed over the wound. Once the bleeding is under control use the bandage to apply pressure and tie the knot over the wound to keep pressure on.

Support

Support the injured part with the use of a sling or triangular bandage and keep checking circulation past the dressing every 10 minutes.

Monitor

Continue monitoring levels of response until further medical help arrives. If the casualty becomes unresponsive, perform a primary survey and prepare to start CPR.

Tourniquet?

If you cannot control the bleed with direct pressure, the ambulance call handler will ask you to use a tourniquet or improvise a tourniquet if you do not have one or if you are not trained. They might ask you to use items like a belt, triangular bandage or neck tie and will instruct you on what to do.