Sharon has 21+ years of experience as a qualified Emergency Care Nurse registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (APHRA) and 12+ years as a First Aid Trainer.
She takes pride in FirstAidPro making first aid training available, comprehensive and affordable to everybody.
You’ve heard about first aid, and you’ve seen emergency scenes on TV, but are you truly prepared to control severe bleeding in real life?
Controlling massive blood loss can be the difference between life and death, and as a non-professional, your quick actions could save someone’s critical moments. While medical expertise is invaluable, there are important steps you can take to manage severe bleeding effectively.
From recognising the severity of the situation to applying the right techniques, these ten tips will equip you with essential knowledge.
But knowing what to do is just the beginning—the real challenge lies in staying calm and executing these steps under pressure.
Key Takeaways
• Call emergency services immediately before attempting to control bleeding.
• Apply direct, firm pressure to the wound using clean cloth or gauze for at least 15 minutes to control or stop bleeding.
• Elevate the injured area above heart level to reduce blood flow, if possible.
Recognise Severe Bleeding
Before taking action, quickly evaluate the wound to identify severe bleeding, characterised by rapid blood loss, spurting, or a growing pool of blood.
You’ll need to act fast, as severe bleeding can lead to shock and life-threatening complications. Look for signs of arterial bleeding, which appears bright red and often pulsates with each heartbeat. Venous bleeding, while still serious, is darker and flows steadily.
When evaluating injury severity, consider the location and depth of the wound. Injuries to major blood vessels, the neck, or torso are particularly dangerous. Focus on the amount and speed of blood loss. If blood is soaking through clothing or forming a large puddle, it’s severe.
Call for Emergency Help
Swiftly dialling emergency services should be your immediate priority when faced with the need to control severe bleeding. In most countries, call 000 or your local emergency number without delay.
Even if you’re alone with the injured person, make the call first before attempting to control the bleeding. Modern emergency communication systems often allow you to stay on the line while assisting the victim.
When you reach the dispatcher, speak clearly and provide essential information:
- Your exact location
- The nature of the emergency (severe bleeding)
- The victim’s condition (conscious or unconscious)
- Any visible wounds or sources of bleeding
Listen carefully to the dispatcher’s instructions and follow them precisely. They’re trained to guide you through emergency situations until professional help arrives.
If possible, put your phone on speaker mode to keep your hands free for first aid. The dispatcher may provide specific advice on controlling the bleeding based on the information you’ve given.
Maintain Wound Cleanliness
Maintaining wound cleanliness is essential to prevent infection, promote healing, and control severe bleeding.Â
Start by gently rinsing the area with clean water to remove any visible debris. If available, use sterile saline solution for wound cleaning. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as these can damage tissue and slow healing.
When cleaning the wound, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Put on disposable gloves if available.
- Clean the wound from the centre outward to avoid introducing contaminants.
- Pat the area dry with a clean, sterile cloth or gauze.
After cleaning, apply an antiseptic solution like povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine to the wound’s edges. Don’t pour antiseptics directly into deep wounds.
If you notice signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge, seek medical attention immediately.
Apply Direct Pressure
While waiting for emergency services to arrive, you’ll need to take immediate action to control severe bleeding.
The most effective first aid technique for severe bleeding is applying direct pressure to the wound. Use a clean cloth, gauze, or any available fabric to cover the injury site. Press firmly and steadily on the wound with the palm of your hand. Don’t release the pressure to check if the bleeding has stopped; maintain constant pressure for at least 15 minutes.
Elevate the injured area above the heart if possible, as this can help reduce blood flow to the wound.
Elevate the Injured Area
Elevation of the injured area above heart level can greatly reduce blood flow to the wound, aiding in the control severe bleeding. When you’re dealing with severe bleeding, particularly in limbs, use gravity to your advantage. By elevating the affected area, you’re working with physics to slow the blood flow to the injury site.
For arm injuries, raise the limb above the person’s head. If it’s a leg injury, prop it up on pillows or any available objects to keep it higher than the heart. Remember, this technique is most effective when combined with direct pressure on the wound. While elevating limbs, maintain the pressure you’ve already applied.
Don’t elevate the injured area if you suspect a broken bone or if moving the limb causes additional pain. In these cases, focus on other bleeding control methods. Elevation is a temporary measure and shouldn’t delay seeking professional medical help.
Apply Pressure Bandages
Pressure bandages are often crucial to control severe bleeding when direct pressure alone isn’t sufficient. To apply a pressure bandage effectively, you’ll need appropriate bandage materials and pressure techniques.
Start with a sterile dressing or clean cloth placed directly over the wound. Then, wrap an elastic bandage tightly around the limb, covering the dressing completely. As you wrap, maintain consistent pressure and overlap each layer by about half its width. Ascertain the bandage is tight enough to slow blood flow but not so tight that it cuts off circulation entirely. You should still be able to feel a pulse below the bandaged area.
For severe bleeding in areas where a circumferential bandage isn’t possible, such as the neck or torso, use a combination of gauze packing and direct pressure. Pack the wound with sterile gauze or a clean cloth, then apply firm, constant pressure.
Utilise Tourniquets Properly
Tourniquets are only recommended for highly trained first responders and can be critical tools for controlling severe limb bleeding when direct pressure fails.
You should only apply a tourniquet when faced with life-threatening extremity haemorrhage or multiple bleeding sites.
Position the tourniquet 2-3 inches above the wound on the affected limb, tightening it until the bleeding stops and securing it in place.
When to Apply Tourniquets
In life-threatening situations where severe limb bleeding can’t be controlled by direct pressure, you may need to contemplate applying a tourniquet.Â
Various tourniquet types exist, including commercial and improvised options, but knowing when to apply them is the essential component of first aid.
Correct Tourniquet Placement Technique
Apply the tourniquet 5-7 cm above the wound, on the limb between the injury and the heart. Don’t place it directly over a joint or on top of the wound itself.
For commercial tourniquets, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. If using improvised materials, such as a belt or cloth strip, ensure it’s at least 3.8 cm wide to distribute pressure evenly. Wrap the tourniquet tightly around the limb, securing it firmly. Use a rigid object like a stick or pen as a windlass to twist and tighten the tourniquet until bleeding stops.
Regardless of the type, once applied, don’t remove the tourniquet until professional medical help arrives. Mark the time of application to inform professional first responders.
Monitor Vital Signs
While you control severe bleeding, you’ll need to regularly check the patient’s essential signs to assess their condition and response to treatment. Monitoring techniques for key signs are important in this situation. Focus on these key indicators:
- Pulse: Check the rate and strength of the pulse at the wrist or neck. A rapid, weak pulse may indicate shock.
- Breathing: Observe the chest for movement and listen for breath sounds. Count respirations per minute.
- Skin colour and temperature: Look for pale, cool, or clammy skin, which can signal blood loss.
- Level of consciousness: Note any changes in alertness or responsiveness.
You should check these key signs every 5-10 minutes until professional help arrives. If you notice any significant changes, especially a weakening pulse or decreased consciousness, it may indicate worsening shock.
Prevent Shock
Preventing shock is a significant aspect to control severe bleeding, closely linked to monitoring essential signs. Shock occurs when the body’s organs don’t receive enough blood flow, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.
Recognise shock symptoms: pale, cool, and clammy skin; rapid breathing; weakness; confusion; or loss of consciousness. If you notice these signs, immediate medical attention is vital.
Cover them with a blanket to keep them warm, as shock can cause a dangerous drop in body temperature. Don’t give them anything to eat or drink, as this could lead to choking or vomiting.
Continue your efforts in shock prevention by reassuring the person and keeping them calm. Anxiety can worsen shock symptoms. If possible, loosen any tight clothing to aid circulation.
FAQs
How can I control severe bleeding if the injury is to the face or head?
For face or head injuries, it’s vital to avoid applying too much pressure to avoid causing additional damage. Use a clean cloth or gauze to gently apply pressure around the wound. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, tilt the person’s head slightly forward to prevent blood from flowing into the airway.
What should I do if the victim has clothing stuck to the wound?
If clothing is stuck to the wound, do not attempt to remove it. Instead, apply pressure over the fabric to control the bleeding. Removing the clothing could cause more damage or disrupt the clotting process. Once professional help arrives, they will assess whether the clothing needs to be removed.
Can I use ice to help control bleeding?
Ice is not recommended for controlling bleeding directly. However, if swelling or bruising occurs after the bleeding is controlled, ice can be applied to the area to reduce inflammation. Focus first on stopping the bleeding and then on addressing other injuries.
