How To Stop The Bleed

 From Minor Cuts to Life-Threatening Bleeding 

4 levels of bleeding control everyone should know.

Minor Bleeding | Bandage 

Goal: Protect the wound and keep it clean. 

Clean the wound and cover it with an appropriate adhesive bandage or dressing. 

Active Bleeding | Gauze + Pressure

 Goal: Control bleeding with direct pressure.

Bleeding through the bandage? Apply gauze directly to the wound and use firm, steady pressure until the bleeding stops.

Heavy Bleeding | Pressure Dressing 

Goal: Maintain pressure while controlling significant bleeding

Bleeding continues? Apply a pressure dressing over the wound to maintain firm, consistent pressure.

Heavier Bleeding | Tourniquet

Goal: Stop catastrophic bleeding as quickly as possible.   

Severe bleeding from an arm or leg? If direct pressure isn't controlling life-threatening bleeding, apply a tourniquet at least 2-inches above the wound when appropriate.