Introduction
Severe bleeding is one of the leading preventable causes of death in traumatic injuries, such as gunshot wounds or accidents. If not treated promptly, it can become life-threatening within minutes. This article will introduce 5 essential bleeding control techniques.
Stop the Bleed Techniques
2.1 Direct Pressure
This is the simplest and most common way to stop bleeding.
When to use:
For mild to moderate bleeding, such as:
- Small cuts or scrapes
- Shallow knife wounds
- Minor punctures or surface injuries
Steps:
- Put on gloves or use a clean cloth to protect yourself.
- Press firmly on the wound with your palm or fingers.
- Keep steady pressure until the bleeding slows down or stops.
Tips:
- Don’t lift the cloth or release pressure to check the wound too soon.
- If blood soaks through, place another layer of gauze on top — don’t remove the first one.
2.2 Wound Packing
Wound packing is used for deep, penetrating injuries where direct pressure alone isn’t enough to stop the bleeding.
When to use:
- Gunshot wounds
- Deep bleeding in areas like the thigh or armpit
- Wounds that cannot be controlled by simple pressure
Steps:
- Take a hemostatic gauze or a clean cloth and gently pack it into the deep part of the wound, layer by layer.
- Apply firm, steady pressure until the bleeding slows or stops.
- Cover the wound with a dressing and secure it with a bandage.
Why it works:
- Packing directly presses on deep blood vessels, helping control internal bleeding.
- Especially useful for areas where a tourniquet cannot be applied, such as the neck, shoulder, or groin.
2.3 Tourniquet Application
A tourniquet is used for severe bleeding in the arms or legs when direct pressure or wound packing isn’t enough.
When to use:
- Severe bleeding from a limb that cannot be controlled by pressure or packing
Steps:
- Place the tourniquet about 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) above the wound, avoiding joints.
- Tighten the tourniquet until the bleeding stops completely and check that there is no pulse in the limb beyond the tourniquet.
- Secure the tourniquet so it won’t loosen and clearly note the time it was applied.
- Do not remove the tourniquet yourself; wait for professional medical personnel.
Tips:
- Using a tourniquet for too long can damage tissue due to lack of blood flow.
- Generally, keep it on for no more than 2 hours, and if possible, check the bleeding and limb condition periodically.
2.4 Pressure Dressing
A pressure dressing is used after bleeding has been brought under control to keep steady pressure on the wound and prevent bleeding from starting again.
When to use:
- After initial bleeding is stopped, to secure the dressing and maintain constant pressure
Steps:
- Keep the original gauze or dressing on the wound — don’t remove it.
- Wrap a bandage or elastic wrap evenly around the area to hold it firmly in place.
- Make sure it’s snug enough to apply gentle pressure, but not so tight that it cuts off blood flow.
Why it helps:
- Keeps steady pressure on the wound and prevents re-bleeding.
2.5 Hemostatic Agents
Hemostatic agents are special products that help the blood clot faster, making it easier to stop heavy bleeding.
Common types:
- Hemostatic powders or dressings (such as Celox or QuikClot)
When to use:
- In outdoor, battlefield, or remote emergency situations
- When professional medical help isn’t immediately available
How to use:
- Apply the hemostatic agent directly into or over the deep part of the wound.
- Combine it with wound packing, pressing firmly to help the product work.
- Keep steady pressure until the bleeding stops.
Why it helps:
- Works effectively for deep or severe bleeding
- Enhances the effect of direct pressure or packing, increasing the chances of successful bleeding control
Understanding Severe Bleeding
Before applying any bleeding control techniques, it’s important to understand the type and severity of the bleeding.
Types of bleeding:
- Arterial bleeding: Bright red blood that spurts with each heartbeat. It’s fast and life-threatening.
- Venous bleeding: Dark red blood that flows steadily. Slower than arterial bleeding, but still dangerous.
- Capillary bleeding: Blood oozes slowly from small vessels. Usually minor and not life-threatening.
Why the location matters:
- Bleeding from the arms or legs can often be controlled with direct pressure or a tourniquet.
- Bleeding from areas like the neck, armpit, or groin is deeper and harder to control, often requiring wound packing or hemostatic agents.
Signs of life-threatening bleeding:
- Blood spurting or gushing rapidly
- Large amounts of blood soaking clothing or forming big wet areas
- Heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop
Key takeaway:
Any severe bleeding should be treated as an emergency. Even if the bleeding seems controlled, the person may still have internal bleeding, risk of shock, or tissue damage, so professional medical help is always needed immediately.
Conclusion
Severe bleeding can be life-threatening within minutes, but quick and proper action can save lives. By learning and practicing techniques like direct pressure, wound packing, tourniquet use, pressure dressings, and hemostatic agents, you can make a real difference in an emergency.
Remember, even if bleeding seems controlled, the person may still need professional medical care. Stay calm, act quickly, and don’t hesitate to call for help — your knowledge and timely response could be the reason someone survives.
Practice with a Wound Trauma Simulator
Practicing bleeding control on a simulator helps build real confidence. Medarchitect wound trauma models let you train safely with direct pressure, wound packing, tourniquet application, pressure dressing, and hemostatic agents. By repeating these skills on realistic scenarios, you can improve speed and accuracy without risk. This is perfect for medical students, first responders, or anyone learning Stop the Bleed techniques.
