📋 Medical Disclaimer
For Educational Purposes Only: This information is provided for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified healthcare providers. In emergencies, call 108 immediately.
Bleeding control is one of the most critical first aid skills you can learn. Quick and proper action can save a life in emergency situations.
Types of Bleeding
1. Arterial Bleeding (Most Severe)
Bright red blood that spurts with each heartbeat. This is the most dangerous type and requires immediate medical attention.
2. Venous Bleeding
Dark red blood that flows steadily. Less severe than arterial but still requires prompt treatment.
3. Capillary Bleeding
Slow oozing of blood from small vessels. The least severe type, often stops on its own.
Step-by-Step Bleeding Control
1 Ensure Safety First
- Wear protective gloves if available
- Ensure the scene is safe for you and the victim
- Call emergency services (108) immediately for severe bleeding
- Position yourself to avoid contact with blood
2 Apply Direct Pressure
- Use a clean cloth, bandage, or your hand if nothing else is available
- Apply firm, continuous pressure directly on the wound
- Maintain pressure for at least 10-15 minutes without checking
- Do not remove the initial cloth if it becomes soaked; add more layers on top
3 Elevate the Injured Area
- Raise the bleeding body part above the level of the heart (if possible)
- This helps reduce blood flow to the area
- Do not elevate if you suspect a fracture
- Continue applying pressure while elevating
4 Use Pressure Points (If Needed)
If direct pressure and elevation are not enough (especially for arm or leg bleeding), apply pressure to the artery between the wound and the heart to reduce blood flow:
- Arm: Press on the inner side of the upper arm (brachial artery) against the bone.
- Leg: Press firmly in the groin crease (femoral artery) with the heel of your hand.
- Keep pressing the pressure point while someone else maintains direct pressure on the wound, or alternate if alone.
5 Tourniquet (Life-Threatening Limb Bleeding Only)
Use a tourniquet only when bleeding is life-threatening and direct pressure cannot control it (e.g. amputated or severely crushed limb, spurting blood that does not stop with pressure).
- Place the tourniquet 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) above the wound, not over a joint.
- Tighten until bleeding stops. Write down the time you applied it and tell emergency services (108).
- Do not loosen or remove the tourniquet once applied—only medical staff should do that.
📦 Deep Wounds – Wound Packing
For deep wounds where blood is flowing from inside (e.g. stab, deep cut): pack the wound firmly with clean gauze or cloth, then apply strong direct pressure on top. Add more material if it soaks through. Call 108. Do not remove packing until medical help takes over.
⚠️ When to Call Emergency Services (108)
- Spurting or pulsating blood
- Bleeding that doesn't stop after 10 minutes of pressure
- Deep wounds or wounds with embedded objects
- Severe blood loss causing shock symptoms
- Wound from animal or human bite, or dirty/rusty object
- Any suspicion of internal bleeding (see below)
Signs of Shock – Protect the Patient
Severe blood loss can cause shock. Recognise it and act:
- Pale, cold, clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse; fast, shallow breathing
- Dizziness, confusion, or restlessness
- Nausea or thirst
What to do: Call 108. Lay the person flat. If no head/neck/back injury, raise their legs 30 cm (about 12 inches) to improve blood flow to the heart and brain. Keep them warm with a blanket or jacket. Do not give food or drink. Keep pressure on the bleeding wound.
Nosebleeds (Epistaxis)
- Have the person sit upright and lean slightly forward (do not tilt head back—blood can go down the throat).
- Pinch the soft part of the nose (just below the bony bridge) firmly for 10–15 minutes.
- Breathe through the mouth. Apply a cold cloth on the nose/forehead if helpful.
- If bleeding does not stop after 20 minutes, or is very heavy, call 108 or go to hospital.
When to Suspect Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding cannot be seen. Call 108 immediately if someone has had a serious blow, fall, or accident and shows:
- Bruising, swelling, or rigid/tender abdomen
- Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Coughing up blood
- Pale skin, cold sweat, fast pulse, dizziness, or collapse
Keep the person still and warm; do not give food or drink. Monitor breathing until help arrives.
After Bleeding Stops
- Leave the bandage or dressing in place. Do not remove it to “check”—this can restart bleeding.
- Seek medical care for: deep wounds, wounds that may need stitches, bites, dirty wounds, or if the person has not had a tetanus shot in the last 5–10 years.
👶 Children – Same Steps, Extra Care
Use the same first aid (direct pressure, elevation, call 108 if severe). Reassure the child and keep them calm. Children have less blood volume, so serious bleeding can become dangerous faster—act quickly and call 108 for heavy or uncontrolled bleeding.
What NOT to Do
- Don't remove embedded objects – Stabilize them in place instead
- Don't peek at the wound – This disrupts clot formation
- Don't use a tourniquet unnecessarily – Only for life-threatening limb bleeding when pressure fails
- Don't give food or drink – Patient may need surgery
- Don't tilt head back for nosebleeds – Person should lean forward and pinch nose
💡 Key Takeaways
- Act quickly but stay calm; call 108 for severe or uncontrolled bleeding
- Direct pressure + elevation are the first and most effective steps
- Use pressure points or wound packing if needed; tourniquet only as last resort for limb bleeding
- Recognise shock: lay flat, raise legs if no spine injury, keep warm, no food or drink
- Nosebleeds: sit forward, pinch soft part of nose 10–15 minutes
- Suspect internal bleeding after serious injury—call 108 and keep person still and warm