How To Stop Bleeding

  • April 2, 2009
  • 10,566 Views
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The human body contains nine units of blood—but in matters of a traumatic cut or injury, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you’re unsure whether you’re in an emergency situation, get to an emergency room and let them decide.

You Will Need

  • Disposable gloves
  • Sterile gauze pads or cloth
  • Bandages
  • Adhesive tape
  • Bandage clips or safety pins
  • Soap
  • Water

Call 911 immediately if a victim:Has an obviously serious woundHas trouble breathing Continues to bleed after 15 minutes of applying direct pressureDisplays symptoms like lightheadedness, confusion, rapid breathing, weakness, nausea, or a change in their consciousness

How To Stop Bleeding: Put on gloves

Step 1: Put on gloves

If they are available, put on a pair of disposable gloves.

How To Stop Bleeding: Elevate body part

Step 2: Elevate body part

Help the victim lie down, and elevate the body part that is bleeding. If it is possible to raise the part above the heart, this will help slow the bleeding.

How To Stop Bleeding: Remove & clean

Step 3: Remove & clean

Remove or clean anything that’s in or near the wound that you can remove or clean easily, including clothing or jewelry.

How To Stop Bleeding: Cover & press

Step 4: Cover & press

Cover the wound with sterile gauze pads or cloth, and press firmly against the wound. Keep the pressure steady and consistent.

If a foreign object is causing the bleeding, such as a knife or a piece of wood, do not remove it. It may be keeping the bleeding under control. Try to keep the object and injured area still, placing the dressing around the object and pressing lightly against wound.

How To Stop Bleeding: Wrap bandage & secure

Step 5: Wrap bandage & secure

Wrap a clean bandage around the wound and secure it with adhesive tape, bandage clips, or safety pins. If blood soaks through the bandage, apply another bandage over the first one.

How To Stop Bleeding: Continue applying pressure

Step 6: Continue applying pressure

Continue applying pressure, either with your hand on the dressing or with the bandage, for at least 15 minutes. Do not check to see if the bleeding has stopped before the time is up.

How To Stop Bleeding: Call 911

Step 7: Call 911

If the flow of blood has not slowed or stopped after 15 minutes of steady pressure, call 911.

How To Stop Bleeding: Squeeze artery

Step 8: Squeeze artery

If the bleeding does not stop, squeeze the artery that supplies blood to that limb or area against the bone with the heel of your hand. Maintain direct pressure on the wound and direct pressure on the pressure point until help arrives.

To find the artery on an arm, press midway between the shoulder and the elbow on the inside of the arm. To find the artery on a leg, press against the crease where the inside of the thigh meets the groin.

How To Stop Bleeding: Remove gloves

Step 9: Remove gloves

Carefully remove your gloves, being sure not to come into contact with the blood.

How To Stop Bleeding: Wash hands

Step 10: Wash hands

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water once you’re done tending to the bleeding.

The arteries that supply your arms with blood are called the brachial arteries; those in your legs are the femoral arteries.

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Comments (4)

ashleaf

the wound looks really bad or just really good makeup

over 2 years ago by ashleaf

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mvazqu

It's just really good make-up. If I had a wound like that I would pass out from just seeing it.

over 2 years ago by mvazqu

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HeatherM

Really nice work on this video...the lighting is so dramatic and I love the long shot across the kitchen floor. Excellent video!

over 2 years ago by HeatherM

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howto2

why are threre more comments on youtube?

5 months ago by howto2

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Video is in First Aid & Safety (25 videos)