Severe Bleeding
FIRST AID FACT SHEET
First aid for severe bleeding
Severe bleeding is an excessive amount of blood loss. Even a small injury can result in severe external bleeding, depending on where it is on the body.
What to do
IMPORTANT wear gloves to prevent infection, if possible.
Unconscious casualty
- Follow DRSABCD St John WA Action Plan and follow the casualty’s seizure management plan, if there is one in place.
- Control bleeding as for a conscious casualty.
- Urgent medical aid. Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.
Conscious casualty
- Follow DRSABCD St John WA Action Plan.
- Reassure and lie the casualty down and remove or cut their clothing to expose the wound.
- Apply direct pressure over and around the wound using a pad or your hands. Instruct the casualty to do this if possible.
- Squeeze the wound edges together if possible.
- Raise and support the injured part above the level of the casualty’s heart. Handle gently if you suspect a broken bone.
- Apply a pad over the wound and secure by bandaging over the wound.
- If blood oozes through the original bandage do not remove it. Place another pad and bandage over the top of the original one.
- Monitor bleeding and check every 15 minutes that the bandages are not too tight and that there is circulation below the wound.
- Urgent medical aid. Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.
- DO NOT give the casualty anything to eat or drink.
Signs and symptoms
- Visible blood loss, oozing, flowing or spurting.
- Pain.
- Tenderness.
- Feeling faint or dizzy.
- Looking pale.
- Thirsty.
- Progressive loss of consciousness.
Caused by
- Anything that cuts or damages a blood vessel.
- Injury to a blood vessel.
- Amputation of a body part.