Emergency

Severe Bleeding

For severe bleeding, apply firm, direct pressure to the wound, call 999, and keep pressing until help arrives.

When to call 999. Call 999 for bleeding that is heavy, spurting, will not stop with pressure, or where the person becomes pale, cold, clammy or faint (signs of shock). Also call for deep wounds, embedded objects or amputations.

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review

What to do

  1. Protect yourself with gloves if available, then apply firm, direct pressure to the wound with a clean pad or your hand.
  2. Call 999, keeping pressure on the wound the whole time — put the phone on speaker if you are alone.
  3. If a dressing becomes soaked, do not remove it — put another on top and keep pressing.
  4. If there is an object stuck in the wound, do not pull it out; press firmly on either side of it instead.
  5. Help the person lie down and, if you can, raise the injured part above the level of the heart.
  6. Keep them warm and reassured, and keep pressure on until the ambulance arrives.

Avoid

What not to do

Do not remove an embedded object, do not keep taking dressings off to look at the wound, and do not use a tourniquet unless trained and bleeding cannot be controlled any other way. Do not give the person food or drink.

Afterwards and while you wait

Watch for signs of shock — paleness, cold clammy skin, fast breathing, confusion or drowsiness — and keep the person lying down and warm. Keep pressure on and reassure them until help arrives. Note how much blood has been lost to tell the crew.

Education and reference only. This is general first-aid information aligned with UK guidance, not a substitute for a hands-on first-aid course or professional emergency care. In a life-threatening emergency, call 999 straight away.

Answers

Severe Bleeding: frequently asked questions

Should I use a tourniquet?

A tourniquet is only for life-threatening limb bleeding that cannot be controlled by pressure, and ideally by someone trained. For most bleeding, firm direct pressure is the safest and most effective first step.

What are the signs of shock from blood loss?

Pale, cold, clammy skin, a fast or weak pulse, fast breathing, thirst, dizziness, confusion or drowsiness. Lie the person down, keep them warm, keep pressing on the wound and call 999.

Related

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Sources

Where this is drawn from

  • NHS — first aid
  • Resuscitation Council UK
  • St John Ambulance / British Red Cross first-aid guidance

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