Severe Bleeding: Causes, First Aid, and Care

To stop a serious bleeding injury, follow these steps:
(You can do this, it may save someone’s life)… First, Call 911, in the U.S. For a list of other emergency phone numbers outside the United States, go to the First Aid page.

1. Lay the person down. If possible, position the person’s head slightly lower than the trunk, or elevate the legs. This position reduces the chances of fainting by increasing blood flow to the brain. If possible, elevate the site of bleeding.

2. Remove any obvious debris or dirt from the wound. Do not remove any objects pierced into the victim. Do not probe the wound or attempt to clean it at this point. Your principal concern is to stop the loss of blood.

3. Apply pressure directly on the wound with a sterile bandage, clean cloth or even a piece of clothing. If nothing else is available, use your hand.

4. Maintain pressure until the bleeding stops. When it does, bind the wound tightly with adhesive tape or a bandage. If none is available, use a piece of clean clothing.

5. If the bleeding continues and seeps through the gauze or other material you are holding on the wound, do not remove it. Instead, add more absorbent material on top of it.

6. If the bleeding does not stop with direct pressure, you may need to apply pressure to the major artery that delivers blood to the area of the wound. In the case of a wound on the hand or lower arm, for example, squeeze the main artery in the upper arm against the bone. Keep your fingers flat; with the other hand, continue to exert pressure on the wound itself.

7. Immobilize the injured body part once the bleeding has been stopped. Leave the bandages in place and get the injured person to the emergency room as soon as possible or, if they cannot be moved, call 911 in the U.S. & Canada. (For other countries, see our First Aid page for the emergency number.)