Uncontrolled bleeding is the #1 preventable cause of death after injury.
And in most emergencies, you are the first one on the scene. Not a paramedic. Not a doctor. You.
This guide is for that moment: clear, simple steps to help you take action, and the tools that make it easier.
Step 1: Call for help
Call 911 immediately.
If someone is with you, have them call while you begin.
If you’re alone, put your phone on speaker.
Make sure the scene is safe. Put on gloves if you have them. Do not wait to start helping.
Step 2: Check how serious it is
Serious (act immediately) looks like:
- Blood pooling or flowing steadily
- Clothing soaking through quickly
- Spurting blood
Less severe (still treat, but not immediately life-threatening):
- Slow bleeding or oozing from a small surface cut
If you’re unsure, treat it as serious.
Step 3: Check the wound
Look for objects in the wound.
- Do not remove them
- They may be slowing bleeding
What kind of wound is it?
- Surface: use direct pressure
- Deep (hole/puncture): pack, then pressure
- Arm or leg with severe bleeding: tourniquet if needed
Step 4: Apply direct pressure
Start here, always.
- Use gauze, cloth, or clothing
- Press directly on the wound
- Press firmly
Hold pressure for several minutes. If blood soaks through, add more on top. Do not remove what’s already there.
Step 5: Pack the wound (if deep)
If the wound is deep and bleeding heavily:
- Push gauze or cloth into the wound
- Pack it tightly
- Apply pressure on top
This helps stop bleeding at the source.
Step 6: Use a tourniquet (arms & legs)
If bleeding won’t stop:
- Place it 2–3 inches above the wound
- Not over a joint
- Tighten until bleeding stops
If needed, apply a second one above it. Do not loosen it.
Step 7: If an object is embedded
- Do not remove it
- Apply pressure around it
- Stabilize it so it doesn’t move
Step 8: Keep them stable
- Keep pressure on the wound
- Have them lie down
- Keep them warm
Watch for:
- Pale skin
- Weakness
- Fast breathing
Stay with them until help arrives.
Remember
If you forget everything else:
- Pressure
- Pack
- Tourniquet
Be ready before it happens
In an emergency, you’ll use what you have. But having the right tools makes a difference:
- Tourniquet
- Gauze
- Pressure bandage
- Gloves
A quick note
This guide is based on widely accepted emergency response principles from organizations like Stop the Bleed, the American Red Cross, and Mayo Clinic. It’s designed to help you act in those critical first minutes before professionals arrive — not replace medical care. Always call 911 in a serious emergency.
