How to Stop the Bleeding

When treating any minor cut or laceration, you must first and foremost stop the bleeding. In most cases, a minor wound will begin to clot with steady pressure and a little time. Use the following tips to stop the bleeding in most non-emergency situations.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Wash your hands thoroughly. If you're treating someone other than yourself, put on latex or medical gloves as well.
2. Have the injured person apply steady, direct pressure to the wound for 15 minutes with a piece of sterile gauze or a clean cloth. Elevate the wound if possible. If the cloth or gauze becomes soaked with blood, add another layer. Don't remove or lift the soaked one.
3. Check the wound after 15 minutes of direct pressure. If the mild bleeding persists, reapply firm pressure for another 15 minutes. This process can be repeated up to three times. If bright red blood is still oozing from the wound after 45 minutes, seek medical attention.
4. Control the bleeding prior to any attempts to clean the wound. Cleanse the wound gently with a mild soap and water. Apply some antibiotic ointment and cover with sterile gauze bandaging to protect the cut until a scab forms.

Tips & Warnings

• Bleeding from a deep wound, heavy bleeding or spurting blood (from a cut to an artery) requires immediate medical intervention. Call 911 if you think you have a medical emergency.