CALL 911 FIRST if emergency services are available. This page is for backup/offline reference.
Severe Bleeding / Hemorrhage
Life-threatening bleeding from a wound — arterial (spurting/bright red) or major venous bleeding.
Critical Warning
Stop the bleeding first, treat for shock second. Do not waste time cleaning the wound.
Recognize the Signs
- Blood spurting or pouring from wound
- Blood soaking through bandages or clothing rapidly
- Pale, cool, clammy skin (shock)
- Weakness, dizziness, rapid pulse
Action Steps
Call 911 immediately
Send someone else if possible so you can focus on treatment.
Apply direct pressure
Place clean cloth, gauze, or shirt directly on the wound. Press hard with both hands. Do NOT lift to check.
Elevate if possible
If the wound is on a limb and there's no suspected fracture, raise it above heart level.
Pack the wound (if deep)
For deep wounds, pack gauze or cloth directly INTO the wound cavity, pressing to the bone. Keep packing until wound is tightly filled.
Apply tourniquet (limb only)
If bleeding won't stop with pressure: apply tourniquet 2-3 inches above wound (not on joint). Tighten until bleeding stops. Note the time — write it on the tourniquet or victim's forehead.
Secure and treat for shock
Once bleeding is controlled, wrap bandage over gauze to maintain pressure. Lay victim flat, elevate legs 12 inches, keep warm.
Do NOT Do
- Do NOT remove impaled objects — stabilize them and bleed around
- Do NOT remove soaked bandages; add more on top
- Do NOT loosen a tourniquet once applied — only EMS should remove
- Do NOT give water or food to a bleeding/shock victim
Aftercare
Maintain pressure until professional help arrives. Monitor for signs of shock. If trained, apply hemostatic agent (QuikClot, Celox) if available.
When to Get Professional Help
Any major bleeding is a 911-level emergency. Even after controlled, the victim needs surgical evaluation.