How to Stop Bleeding: A Life-Saving Skill

Severe bleeding is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Whether caused by an accident, injury, or trauma, uncontrolled bleeding can lead to shock, organ failure, and even death if not managed quickly and effectively. Understanding how to stop bleeding using basic techniques such as direct pressure and tourniquets can save a life until medical professionals arrive.

This guide will cover essential bleeding control methods, including when and how to use direct pressure and a tourniquet effectively.

Understanding Bleeding: Types and Causes

Before diving into treatment methods, it’s important to understand the types of bleeding and the potential severity:

1. Arterial Bleeding: Blood spurts out in pulses, often bright red, and flows quickly. This type of bleeding can be life-threatening due to the high pressure in arteries.
2. Venous Bleeding: Blood flows steadily and dark red. While not as forceful as arterial bleeding, it can still be dangerous, especially if it involves a large vein.
3. Capillary Bleeding: Blood oozes from a wound and is usually slower, but it can still cause problems if not controlled.
4. Internal Bleeding: This is bleeding inside the body that is not visible from the outside, often requiring medical attention immediately.

Severe external bleeding, such as from deep cuts, lacerations, or traumatic injuries, can be controlled with quick action.

Steps to Stop Bleeding

1. Ensure Your Safety First

• Before treating the wound, make sure the area is safe for you to approach. Be cautious of any environmental hazards, such as traffic, fire, or electrical dangers.
• If possible, wear gloves (latex or non-latex) to avoid contact with the injured person’s blood.

2. Assess the Severity of the Bleeding

• If the bleeding is severe (gushing or spurting), it’s an emergency and must be stopped immediately.
• If the bleeding is minor (e.g., a small cut or abrasion), you can typically manage it with pressure and bandages.

3. Apply Direct Pressure

Direct pressure is the first and most effective method for stopping most types of bleeding.

• How to Apply Direct Pressure:
  1. Use a Clean Cloth: If available, use a clean cloth, sterile dressing, or a bandage to cover the wound. If none are available, use a clean hand or any available fabric (shirt, towel, etc.).
  2. Apply Firm Pressure: Press down firmly on the wound with your hand, making sure to apply consistent, firm pressure. This pressure helps to compress the blood vessels and stop the flow of blood.
  3. Do Not Lift the Cloth: If the blood starts to soak through the cloth, do not remove it. Instead, add more cloth or bandages on top and continue applying pressure.
  4. Monitor for Signs of Shock: While you’re applying pressure, monitor the person for signs of shock—pale skin, rapid breathing, weakness, confusion, or fainting. If any of these signs appear, call 911 immediately and continue pressure on the wound.

Direct pressure should always be your first response to control bleeding. It is highly effective for most external wounds, especially for venous and capillary bleeds.

4. Elevate the Injury (if possible)

• Elevation can help reduce blood flow to the area, particularly for bleeding from limbs. If the injury is to an arm or leg, elevate the limb above the level of the heart to slow the blood flow and reduce swelling.
• Do not elevate if it causes pain or if you suspect a fracture or serious internal injury.

5. Use a Pressure Bandage (if bleeding continues)

If bleeding persists despite applying direct pressure:

• Apply a pressure bandage over the wound to hold the pressure in place. This can be achieved using a clean cloth, sterile bandage, or even a piece of fabric from a shirt or towel.
• Wrap the bandage tightly, ensuring that it remains in place and continues to apply pressure. You may need to secure it with tape, a safety pin, or other available materials.

The goal is to maintain constant pressure until help arrives or the bleeding is controlled.

6. When to Use a Tourniquet

A tourniquet is an emergency tool used to control severe bleeding from an arm or leg when direct pressure alone is not sufficient. A tourniquet is most commonly used in cases of arterial bleeding, where direct pressure is unable to stop the blood flow, or in traumatic injuries where the bleeding is life-threatening.

• When to Apply a Tourniquet:

  • If the bleeding is severe and does not stop with direct pressure.
  • If the wound is on an arm or leg, and there’s no other way to control the bleeding.
  • If blood loss is rapid and you’re concerned about the person’s life.
  • Only use a tourniquet for severe arterial bleeding, as excessive use could result in the loss of the limb or permanent damage.

• How to Apply a Tourniquet:

  1. Use a Commercial Tourniquet (if available): Ideally, use a commercially available tourniquet, such as the CAT (Combat Application Tourniquet) or SOFTT-W (Special Operations Forces Tactical Tourniquet-Wide), which are designed for quick and effective use. Follow the instructions on the device.

  2. Improvised Tourniquet: If you don’t have a commercial tourniquet, you can improvise one with a wide cloth, belt, or piece of fabric and a sturdy object, such as a stick or pen, to tighten the bandage.

     • Place the tourniquet above the wound (between the wound and the heart) to compress the blood vessels.
     • Tighten it until the bleeding stops. You should aim for enough pressure to halt the blood flow but avoid causing unnecessary pain or damage.
     • Secure the tourniquet in place. If you’re using an improvised tourniquet, tie it off and twist it with a stick or pen until the bleeding stops.
     • Note the time: Once the tourniquet is in place, write down the time you applied it. This information is important for medical professionals to know, as tourniquets should only be used for short periods (less than 2 hours, ideally).

• Monitor the Person’s Condition: After applying the tourniquet, continue to apply direct pressure to the wound and monitor the victim’s breathing and pulse. Call 911 or get the person to emergency medical care as quickly as possible.

7. When to Seek Medical Help

• Call 911 Immediately: If the bleeding is severe, you cannot control it, or the person shows signs of shock (such as confusion, rapid breathing, weakness, or unconsciousness), call emergency services right away. Even if you have stopped the bleeding, professional medical treatment is necessary.
• If a Tourniquet Is Applied: If you’ve had to use a tourniquet, emergency help is needed as soon as possible. A tourniquet can help stop the bleeding, but it is a temporary measure until proper medical care is available.

Other Considerations for Stopping Bleeding

• For Nosebleeds: Pinch the nostrils together and have the person lean forward to prevent blood from flowing down the throat. Apply a cold compress to the back of the neck or nose to help constrict blood vessels.
• For Bleeding from the Mouth: If the person is bleeding from the mouth due to trauma or injury, have them sit up and lean forward slightly to avoid swallowing blood. Apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to the bleeding site.
• For Internal Bleeding: Internal bleeding is harder to detect, but if there is significant trauma (such as a car accident or fall) and you suspect internal bleeding, seek medical help immediately.

Conclusion

Stopping bleeding is a critical skill that can save a life during emergencies. The first step is always direct pressure, which is effective for most types of bleeding. If the bleeding continues or is severe, applying a tourniquet may be necessary to control the situation until professional medical help can arrive.

Remember, acting quickly and decisively in an emergency can make all the difference in ensuring the person survives and recovers. Make sure to keep calm, follow these steps, and seek immediate medical care if needed.