If someone is bleeding severely, it’s important to act quickly to control the bleeding and minimize the risk of severe blood loss.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Ensure your safety: Before helping the injured person, make sure the scene is safe for you to approach. Wear gloves if available to protect yourself from bloodborne pathogens.
- Call for help: Call emergency services (911 or your local emergency number) immediately, especially if the bleeding is severe or cannot be controlled easily.
- Control the bleeding:
- Direct pressure: Apply direct pressure on the wound with a clean cloth or sterile bandage. Use your hand if nothing else is available. Press firmly and continuously until the bleeding stops.
- Elevate the wound: If possible, raise the injured limb above the level of the heart to reduce blood flow to the area and help control bleeding.
- Pressure points: If direct pressure does not stop the bleeding, apply pressure to the artery nearest to the wound. For example, apply pressure to the brachial artery for bleeding on the arm or the femoral artery for bleeding on the leg.
- Tourniquet: As a last resort if bleeding is life-threatening and cannot be controlled by other means, apply a tourniquet. Place it 2-3 inches above the wound (closer to the heart). Tighten the tourniquet until the bleeding stops. Note the time the tourniquet was applied and inform emergency responders immediately.
- Monitor and reassure the person: Stay with the person and monitor their condition. Keep them calm and reassured to help prevent shock.
- Provide first aid for shock: If the person shows signs of shock (pale skin, rapid pulse, shallow breathing), lay them down, elevate their legs (unless it causes pain or injury), and cover them with a blanket or coat to keep them warm.
- Do not remove blood-soaked dressings: If blood soaks through the first dressing, do not remove it. Apply more dressings on top and continue applying pressure.
Remember, controlling severe bleeding is critical to prevent serious injury or death. Seek medical attention promptly even if you are able to control the bleeding, as the person may need further treatment to prevent infection or other complications.