Category: Health & Safety

⚡ How to Control Serious Bleeding

Serious bleeding can become life-threatening within minutes. The most important steps are to call 911, apply firm direct pressure, and use a tourniquet when severe bleeding from an arm or leg cannot be controlled.

Recognize Life-Threatening Bleeding

Call 911 immediately if:

Blood is spurting or flowing continuously.
Blood is pooling on the ground.
Clothing or bandages are quickly soaked.
Part or all of an arm or leg has been severed.
The wound is deep, large, or caused by a weapon.
Bleeding does not stop with firm pressure.
The person becomes pale, cold, confused, weak, or unconscious.
A serious head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, or groin injury occurred.
Internal bleeding may be present.

Do not wait until the person develops signs of shock.

Helpful Resources: Browse Cuts, Scrapes & Wound Care for products, equipment, services, or supplies related to this section.

Protect Yourself

Make sure the scene is safe.
Wear disposable gloves when available.
Use a plastic bag or another barrier if gloves are unavailable.
Avoid direct contact with blood.
Wash your hands after providing care.

Do not delay lifesaving pressure because gloves are unavailable. Use the best barrier you can find.

Apply Firm Direct Pressure

Expose the wound.
Remove loose clothing or debris around it.
Place clean gauze, cloth, or clothing directly over the wound.
Press firmly with both hands.
Maintain continuous pressure.
Keep pressing until bleeding stops or emergency professionals take over.

Do not repeatedly lift the material to check the wound. This can disturb developing clots.

If blood soaks through, add more material on top and continue pressing. Do not remove the original layer.

If an Object Is Embedded

Do not remove it.
Do not press directly on the object.
Place clean padding around it.
Apply pressure to the sides of the wound.
Keep the object as stable as possible.
Call 911.

Removing an embedded object can cause much heavier bleeding.

Use a Tourniquet for Severe Arm or Leg Bleeding

Use a commercially manufactured tourniquet when life-threatening bleeding from an arm or leg cannot be controlled with direct pressure or when the injury makes direct pressure impossible.

Place the tourniquet two to three inches above the wound.
Do not place it over a joint.
Tighten it until the bleeding stops.
Secure it according to its instructions.
Write down or remember the application time.
Leave it in place until emergency professionals take over.

A correctly applied tourniquet is usually painful. Do not loosen or remove it because of pain.

If bleeding continues, apply a second tourniquet above the first when one is available.

Do not place a tourniquet around the neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, or groin.

Packing a Deep Wound

If a deep wound is in an area where a tourniquet cannot be used, such as the groin or armpit, trained responders may pack the wound.

If trained and equipped:

Locate the source of bleeding.
Pack gauze firmly into the wound.
Fill the wound completely.
Apply strong, continuous pressure.
Hold pressure until emergency professionals take over.

Use hemostatic gauze when available and follow its instructions.

Do not pack wounds of the chest or abdomen.

Watch for Shock

Possible signs include:

Pale, cool, or clammy skin
Rapid breathing
Weak or rapid pulse
Confusion
Anxiety or restlessness
Dizziness
Extreme thirst
Weakness
Loss of consciousness

If shock is possible:

Keep the person lying down.
Keep them warm.
Do not give food or drinks.
Monitor breathing.
Reassure them.
Be prepared to begin CPR.

Do not raise the person’s legs if this causes pain or if a head, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, or leg injury is possible.

Suspect Internal Bleeding After

A serious fall
A vehicle crash
A crushing injury
A blow to the chest or abdomen
A pelvic injury
A significant sports injury

Possible signs include:

Abdominal pain or swelling
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Vomiting or coughing blood
Blood in urine or stool
Severe bruising
Dizziness
Fainting
Signs of shock

Internal bleeding cannot be controlled with external pressure. Call 911 and keep the person still.

If a Body Part Has Been Severed

Control the person’s bleeding first.
Wrap the severed part in clean, damp gauze.
Place it in a sealed plastic bag.
Place that bag on ice or in a container with ice water.
Do not place the body part directly on ice.
Send it with the person to the hospital.

Do not delay emergency care while searching for the missing part.

Do Not

Remove an embedded object.
Remove blood-soaked dressings.
Press directly on a possible skull fracture.
Use a makeshift tourniquet unless emergency professionals direct you and no commercial device is available.
Loosen an applied tourniquet.
Give food, drinks, or medication.
Allow the person to walk.
Clean a life-threatening wound before controlling the bleeding.
Delay calling 911.

Quick Bleeding-Control Checklist

Call 911.
Protect yourself from blood.
Expose the wound.
Apply firm, continuous pressure.
Add material without removing soaked layers.
Use a tourniquet for life-threatening arm or leg bleeding.
Do not remove embedded objects.
Keep the person warm and still.
Watch for shock.
Begin CPR if the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally.

Suggested Guides

Important Health & Safety Notice

The information in this guide is provided for general educational purposes only. Independence Answers is not a medical provider, and this content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or supervision. Always follow the instructions of your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional, especially if you have a medical condition, take medication, or are unsure whether an action is safe for you.

Do not ignore or delay seeking professional care because of something you read here. If you believe someone may be experiencing a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.