How to Stop Mild Bleeding During First Aid

The first and most important treatment for an open wound is to stop the bleeding. Most bleeding can be controlled with a combination of direct pressure over the wound and elevation.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Bandannas
• Evacuation Plan
• Wilderness First Aid Classes
• Bandages
• First Aid Kits
• Gauze
• Latex Gloves
• Evacuation Insurance
• First Aid Classes
• Safety Goggles
• Surgical Masks

Preparation

1. Wash hands thoroughly before beginning treatment.

2. Put on latex gloves before touching the injured person. If blood is spurting, put on protective glasses and a mask.

Pressure and Elevation

1. Pack the opening of the wound with sterile gauze if the wound is large and wide.

2. Apply direct pressure to the wound by pressing with your hand and a piece of sterile gauze. If you don't have gauze, use folded fabric such as a bandanna.

3. Maintain steady pressure on the wound for 5 minutes, then release the pressure slowly and check for bleeding. Most bleeding will stop within 2 to 5 minutes.

4. Elevate the limb above the heart while applying pressure if the wound is on a limb and you don't suspect a fracture.

5. Layer additional sterile bandages on top of blood-soaked bandages. Don't remove the gauze that's already in place, as this may disrupt the clotting.

6. Apply pressure to pressure points if bleeding persists after 15 or 20 minutes of direct pressure (see "How to Treat Severe Bleeding During First Aid").

Aftercare

1. Immobilize the limb using a splint, in cases of serious bleeding from limbs, to prevent bleeding from recurring.

2. Clean and dress the wound after bleeding has been controlled in order to prevent infection (see "How to Clean a Wound During First Aid" and "How to Close a Wound During First Aid").

Tips & Warnings

• To prevent the spread of infectious disease, have the injured person apply direct pressure to the wound whenever possible.

• Infectious diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis are transmitted via the exchange of bodily fluids. Protect yourself by wearing gloves and a surgical mask. Wear goggles or glasses to protect against spurting blood or fluids. If you don't have gloves, a surgical mask and goggles, improvise by placing your hand in a plastic bag, covering your mouth with a bandanna and wearing sunglasses.

• Make every effort to stop the bleeding immediately, as serious bleeding can become fatal in just a few minutes (see "How to Conduct a Primary Survey of an Injured Person During First Aid").

• Evacuate immediately for any of the following conditions: Blood flow cannot be stopped; a tourniquet has been applied; the wound is large or gaping widely; the wound involves a joint, foot, hand or face; the wound involves an embedded object; skin or parts of the body have been partially or completely severed.

• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.