Severe Bleeding
Heavy bleeding that won't stop with light pressure.
🚨 Call an ambulance immediately, then follow the steps below.
Step-by-step
- 1
Call emergency services
Heavy uncontrolled bleeding can become fatal in minutes. Get help on the way first.
- 2
Apply firm direct pressure
Use a clean cloth, towel, or your hand (with gloves if available). Press firmly on the wound. Lean your weight in.
- 3
Don't lift to check
Resist the urge to peek every few seconds. Each peek breaks the clot that is forming. Hold pressure for at least 10 minutes.
- 4
If blood soaks through
Add more cloth on top — do NOT remove the first layer. Keep pressing.
- 5
Lay them down, elevate if possible
Help them lie flat. If the wound is on a limb and nothing is broken, raise that limb above the heart.
- 6
Watch for shock
Pale skin, fast shallow breathing, confusion, or fainting means they are going into shock. Keep them warm with a blanket or coat and reassure them. Stay with them until help arrives.
🛑 Do NOT
- Do NOT remove a large object stuck in the wound — pack around it. Removing it can make bleeding much worse.
- Do NOT use a tourniquet unless trained and the bleed is on a limb that won't stop any other way.
- Do NOT give them food or drink — they may need surgery.
- Do NOT keep checking the wound — keep pressure on.
📞 Call an ambulance if…
- Bleeding is spurting or pouring (an artery is cut).
- Bleeding does not slow after 10 minutes of firm pressure.
- The injury is to the neck, chest, abdomen, or groin.
- The person becomes pale, sweaty, confused, or faint.
This guide is educational content — not medical advice. Always call emergency services first. Sources: Red Cross, American Heart Association, NHS England.