How to Stop Bleeding: Types, Methods, and First Aid for Wounds
Bleeding is the escape of blood from damaged vessels. Knowing how to stop bleeding quickly and correctly can save a life before professional help arrives. This article covers all accessible methods of stopping bleeding that anyone can use without medical training, as well as when to call an ambulance.
Types of Bleeding: How to Tell Them Apart
Before choosing a method, it is important to identify the type:
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Capillary – blood oozes in small drops, dark red. Stops on its own or with a pressure dressing.
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Venous – dark cherry‑coloured blood flows in a steady stream. Stopped with a pressure dressing or elevation.
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Arterial – bright red blood spurts in pulsating jets (fountain). This is the most dangerous, requiring immediate tourniquet or finger pressure.
Signs of heavy blood loss: pale skin, cold sweat, dizziness, rapid pulse, weakness, loss of consciousness.
Basic Bleeding Control Methods (for non‑medical persons)
1. Tourniquet application (for arterial bleeding)
A tourniquet is a rubber band with a fastener. It completely stops blood flow above the wound.
Rules:
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Apply the tourniquet above the wound, over clothing or a fabric pad (never on bare skin).
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Raise the limb before application.
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Stretch the tourniquet and make 2–3 turns around the limb, secure with hook.
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Place a note under it with the exact time of application.
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Maximum time: 1.5 hours on upper limbs, 2 hours on lower limbs; in summer reduce to 1 hour.
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Loosen for 10–15 minutes every hour (meanwhile press the artery above the wound with a finger).
Important: Tourniquet is a last resort – only for arterial bleeding or traumatic amputation.
2. Finger pressure on the artery
A temporary method where you press the artery against the bone above the wound. Key points:
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brachial artery – inner side of the upper arm;
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femoral artery – groin crease;
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carotid artery – side of the neck (press against vertebrae).
This gives only 10–15 minutes to prepare a tourniquet or transport the victim. Simpler variant: direct wound pressure – press firmly with several fingers or palm over a sterile pad or clean cloth.
3. Pressure dressing (for venous and capillary bleeding)
The most common and easy method. Applied directly over the wound.
How to do it:
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Place several layers of sterile gauze or clean cloth over the wound.
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Put a pad (e.g., rolled bandage) on top for extra pressure.
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Bandage tightly to create uniform compression.
Works well for venous bleeding; also used post‑operatively to prevent bleeding. It will not stop arterial bleeding – a tourniquet is needed.
4. Elevation of the limb
If a limb is injured, raise it above heart level. This reduces blood flow due to gravity and helps stop capillary or venous bleeding. Combine with a pressure dressing.
Example: if you cut your leg, lie down and raise it on a pillow or chair. After 15 minutes bleeding usually lessens. Remember: once you stand, it may restart, so only move after dressing and with help.
5. Maximal flexion of the limb
Used for bleeding from the forearm or lower leg. Place a firm pad (rolled fabric, bandage) in the elbow or knee crease, then bend the limb as much as possible and fix it with a bandage or belt. This compresses the main vessels. Temporary until a tourniquet is applied.
6. Wound packing
For deep wounds where a dressing cannot be applied (chest, abdomen, deep puncture wounds), tightly fill the wound with sterile pads or clean cloth to create pressure on the bleeding vessel. Put a pressure dressing on top. Important: do not remove protruding foreign objects – they may be blocking the vessel. Fix them and call an ambulance.
What to do with nosebleeds
Sit down, tilt your head slightly forward (not backward!). Apply cold (ice, wet cloth) to the bridge of the nose. Pinch the nostrils for 10–15 minutes. Insert a cotton swab moistened with hydrogen peroxide or vasoconstrictor drops. If bleeding persists >20 minutes, call emergency.
What NOT to do
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Do not wash the wound with water or alcohol – it removes clots and increases bleeding.
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Do not remove protruding splinters or objects – they may block the vessel.
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Do not remove a blood‑soaked dressing – put a new one over it.
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Do not let the victim drink or eat – may interfere with surgery under anaesthesia.
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Do not apply a tourniquet on bare skin or hide it under clothing – time must be visible.
When to call an ambulance (103)
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Bleeding cannot be stopped within 10–15 minutes.
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Bright red pulsating blood – suspect arterial bleeding.
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Victim is losing consciousness, pale, clammy.
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Injury to head, neck, chest, or abdomen.
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Bleeding after a fall from height or blow.
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Combined with bone fracture.
Even if bleeding stops, the victim must be seen by a traumatologist or surgeon for wound care, antibiotics, and suturing.
After the bleeding stops
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Call a doctor or take the victim to the nearest trauma centre.
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If a tourniquet was applied, tell the doctor the exact time.
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Do not remove the pressure dressing until examined by a surgeon.
Professional surgical wound care includes removal of non‑viable tissue, vessel ligation/coagulation, and then suturing. Sutures are usually removed on days 10–14 depending on location.
Conclusion
The ability to stop bleeding quickly is a vital skill. Correct actions in the first minutes can save a life. Remember:
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Capillary – pressure dressing + elevation.
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Venous – pressure dressing + cold.
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Arterial – tourniquet + emergency call.
Stay calm, follow the algorithm. After first aid, always see a doctor for final wound treatment.
