Essential guidance
Severe bleeding can become life threatening quickly. This is an overview for bystanders; first-aid training is strongly recommended.
Urgent situations
Call your local emergency service immediately for life-threatening danger. Follow professional responders and current local alerts over general online instructions.
Make the scene safe and call
Check for traffic, sharp objects, violence, chemicals, water or other dangers before approaching. Call the local emergency number immediately for severe or uncontrolled bleeding; use speakerphone if possible.
Ask a bystander to bring a first-aid kit and direct rescuers to the location. If available, wear protective gloves. Do not delay life-saving pressure while searching for ideal equipment.
Control external bleeding
Expose the wound only as necessary, then apply firm continuous direct pressure with clean cloth or dressings. Follow the emergency dispatcher’s instructions.
If blood soaks through, maintain pressure rather than repeatedly lifting the original dressing to check. For major limb bleeding, a commercial tourniquet may be indicated; use it only according to recognized training or real-time dispatcher guidance.
Do not pull out an embedded object. Apply pressure around it and seek urgent professional care.
Observe and protect
Help the person rest in a safe position, protect them from cold, and monitor breathing and responsiveness. Do not give food, drink or medication to a seriously injured person.
If the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, follow dispatcher CPR/AED instructions. If breathing, monitor until professional help arrives.
Transfer to emergency responders
Report the location, mechanism of injury, bleeding site, when bleeding began, what pressure or devices were used, and any known allergies or medicines.
Record important times if practical, but never interrupt essential care to write notes.
Field checklist
Tick items to review your readiness. Checkmarks remain on this page only and are not stored.
Related field guides
Further reading
This reference is educational and is not a substitute for emergency responder instructions, training or medical advice.