Severe Bleeding

Overview

If severe bleeding isn’t controlled quickly, it is possible for someone to lose a lot of blood, become unresponsive, and possibly develop shock. 

Shock is a life-threatening emergency condition, caused when the body doesn't have sufficient blood circulating to supply the vital organs with oxygen.

Your priority is to stop the bleeding.

Immediate First Aid Steps

If someone is bleeding heavily, the main aim is to prevent further blood loss and minimise the effects of shock.

1. First, call for an ambulance urgently. 
2. If you have disposable gloves, use them to reduce the risk of any infection being passed on.
3. Check that there's nothing embedded in the wound:

If there is an object embedded in the wound: 

• Take care not to press down on the object. 
• Do not try to remove the embedded object because it may be helping to slow down the bleeding.
• Instead, press firmly on either side of the object and build up padding around it before bandaging to avoid putting pressure on the object itself.

If nothing is embedded in the wound:

• Apply and maintain pressure to the wound with your gloved hand, using a clean pad or dressing if possible. Continue to apply pressure until the bleeding stops.
• Use a clean dressing or any clean, soft material to bandage the wound firmly.
• If bleeding continues through the pad, apply pressure to the wound until the bleeding stops, and then apply another pad over the top and bandage it in place. Do not remove the original pad or dressing, but continue to check that the bleeding has stopped.

Severed body part:

1. If a body part, such as a finger, has been severed, place it in a plastic bag or wrap it in cling film. Do not wash the severed limb.
2. Wrap the package in soft fabric and place in a container of crushed ice. Do not let the limb touch the ice.
3. Make sure the severed limb goes with the patient to hospital.

Monitor for signs of shock

• The loss of blood could cause the casualty to develop shock. Shock is a life-threatening emergency condition.
• Signs of shock include:
• pale, cold, clammy skin
• sweating
• rapid, shallow breathing
• weakness and dizziness
• feeling sick and possibly vomiting
• thirst
• yawning
• sighing
• Seek medical help immediately if you notice that someone has any of these signs of shock.
  
• You should:
• 1. lie the person down if their injuries allow you to and, if possible, raise and support their legs
  2. use a coat or blanket to keep them warm
  3. do not give them anything to eat or drink
  4. give them lots of comfort and reassurance
  5. monitor the person – if they stop breathing, start CPR and call the ambulance to update them

Always seek medical help for bleeding, unless it's minor.

Find out how to treat cuts and grazes here.

When To Seek Medical Help

Call an ambulance or seek immediate medical help (e.g. Emergency Department) if:

• you or someone is severely bleeding