Emergencies

Severe Bleeding — First Aid

How to control severe bleeding in an emergency: first aid steps, when to use a tourniquet, and when to call for help.

3 min read

Intro

Severe bleeding (hemorrhage) is a life-threatening emergency. Without rapid control, a person can lose critical blood volume within minutes. Knowing how to apply basic first aid before professional help arrives can save lives.

Key Points

  • Severe bleeding can be fatal in under 5 minutes.
  • Apply direct pressure immediately with a clean cloth or your hand.
  • Call emergency services right away.
  • If bleeding doesn’t stop, apply a tourniquet (limb only).
  • Keep the person calm and still to slow blood loss.

Warning Signs

  • Blood that won’t stop with pressure
  • Spurting or pulsating blood (arterial bleeding)
  • Large pools of blood or soaked clothing/bandages
  • Signs of shock: pale, clammy skin, rapid pulse, confusion

First Aid Steps

  1. Call emergency services immediately.
  2. Apply firm, direct pressure on the wound using a clean cloth, bandage, or your hand.
  3. If possible, raise the injured limb above heart level.
  4. If bleeding continues:
    • Keep pressure constant.
    • Add more bandages on top (don’t remove soaked ones).
    • Apply a tourniquet if trained and bleeding is life-threatening.
  5. Monitor for shock: lay the person down, keep them warm, reassure them.

Tourniquet Use

  • Place 5–7 cm (2–3 inches) above the wound, not on a joint.
  • Tighten until bleeding stops.
  • Note the time — medical teams need to know how long it’s been in place.
  • Only use when direct pressure fails and bleeding is life-threatening.

Risks and Prognosis

  • Quick first aid greatly improves survival.
  • Delay in controlling bleeding leads to shock, organ failure, and death.
  • Even if bleeding is controlled, urgent medical care is required to repair damage and prevent infection.

FAQ

Q: What if I don’t have a bandage?
A: Use any clean cloth, clothing, or even your hand with firm pressure.

Q: Should I remove soaked bandages?
A: No — place additional layers on top. Removing them may restart bleeding.

Q: Can bleeding stop on its own?
A: Minor bleeding may, but severe bleeding will not. Always treat as an emergency.

Further Reading

References

World Health Organization. (2020). Basic emergency care: Approach to the acutely ill and injured.

⚠️ Educational only; not a substitute for professional medical training or advice. Always call emergency services immediately in cases of severe bleeding.