Severe bleeding

Life-threatening external bleeding from a limb or wound

1SAFETY

Make sure you are safe. Wear gloves if you have them. Call 911.

2EXPOSE

Find where the blood is coming from. Remove or cut clothing over the wound.

3PRESSURE

Press firmly and directly on the wound with a clean cloth or gauze. Do not lift it to look; add more layers on top.

4PACK

For a deep wound on the trunk or neck, pack the wound with gauze or cloth and keep pressing.

5TOURNIQUET

If a limb keeps bleeding heavily, apply a tourniquet 2 to 3 inches above the wound (not over a joint), tighten until the bleeding stops and note the time.

6SHOCK

Lay the person down, keep them warm, do not give food or drink, and keep talking to them until EMS arrives.

Remember

Do not remove an object embedded in a wound; press around it.
Once a tourniquet is on, only a clinician should loosen it.

Source: MedlinePlus: Bleeding (public domain). Follow your local protocols and current guidelines; this guide is a memory aid for trained people, not a substitute for training.

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