Bleeding, Life-Threating External

1. Apply direct pressure.
2. Apply direct pressure and a tourniquet (if trained) for life-threatening bleeding on a limb.
3. Use wound packing (if trained) for life-threatening bleeding from the scalp, neck, shoulder, groin, and back or from a limb if no tourniquet is available.
4. Continue checking them as appropriate to determine if additional care is needed.
5. Keep them from getting cold or overheated.
6. Give care for shock, if necessary.
7. Stay with them until EMS arrives.
8. Position the person as appropriate.
9. Reassure them you will help and that EMS has been called.
10. Watch for changes in condition, including breathing and responsiveness, and give care as appropriate and trained.

1. Find the source of the bleeding.
2. Place dressing on wound. Use a hemostatic dressing, if available.
3. Apply steady, firm pressure directly over wound. Make sure the injured body part is on a firm, flat surface.
4. Hold direct pressure until bleeding stops or a tourniquet is available.
5. If bleeding stops before EMS arrive
   1. Check circulation beyond injury.
   2. Apply a roller bandage over the dressing and secure it firmly.
   3. Re-check. circulation beyond the injury.
6. Monitor for re-bleeding. If bleeding recurs:
   1. Do not apply an additional dressing or bandage.
   2. Remove bandage and leave only the single dressing on wound in place.
   3. Apply direct manual pressure.

How long should I apply direct pressure for life-threatening bleeding?

Hold direct pressure until:

• The bleeding stops.
• A tourniquet is applied (for life-threatening bleeding from an arm or leg) and bleeding has stopped.
• Another person relieves you.
• You are too exhausted to continue.
• The situation becomes unsafe.

What if blood soaks through the original dressing while I’m applying direct pressure to the wound?

If blood soaks through the original gauze pad, you do not need to do anything, but you can put another gauze pad on top. Replace the new gauze pad as necessary if blood soaks through the pads. Do not remove the original gauze pad and do not stack multiple gauze pads.

How do I check for circulation?

When checking for circulation, check the skin on the side of the injury farthest from the heart (e.g., the hand or foot) for temperature, color and feeling. Also ask the person is there is any numbness or tingling.

What do I do if the wound is from an embedded object?

• Do not attempt to remove it. Removing the object can make the bleeding much worse.
• Apply pressure around the object.
• Place several dressings around the object, then pack bulk dressings or roller bandages around it.
• Bandage the bulk dressings or roller bandages in place around the object and seek medical care.
• If you need to apply a tourniquet, apply above the embedded object.

The person looks pale and feels cold and dizzy. What does this mean?

This means the injured person could be in shock because there isn't enough blood flowing through the body. It can be life-threatening because it can lead to a heart attack or other organ damage very quickly.

What is shock?

Shock is a progressive, life-threatening condition in which the body does not get enough oxygen-rich blood often due to disturbed blood flow. As a result, organs and body systems begin to fail.

Signs and symptoms include:

• Rapid, weak heartbeat
• Rapid breathing
• Pale, gray, or cool moist skin
• Altered level of responsiveness
• Excessive thirst

Should I worry about infection or catching something from the person’s blood?

While the risk of an infection is low, it is best to not contact someone else's blood when possible. You can use latex-free disposable gloves, a plastic bag, or get them to use their own hand to put pressure on the wound.