How to Stop Mild Bleeding During First Aid
The first and most important treatment for an open wound is to stop the bleeding. Most bleeding can be controlled with a combination of direct pressure over the wound and elevation.Things You'll Need
- Bandannas
- Evacuation Plan
- Wilderness First Aid Classes
- Bandages
- First Aid Kits
- Gauze
- Latex Gloves
- Evacuation Insurance
- First Aid Classes
- Safety Goggles
- Surgical Masks
Instructions
Preparation
Wash hands thoroughly before beginning treatment.
Put on latex gloves before touching the injured person. If blood is spurting, put on protective glasses and a mask.
Pressure and Elevation
Pack the opening of the wound with sterile gauze if the wound is large and wide.
Apply direct pressure to the wound by pressing with your hand and a piece of sterile gauze. If you don't have gauze, use folded fabric such as a bandanna.
Maintain steady pressure on the wound for 5 minutes, then release the pressure slowly and check for bleeding. Most bleeding will stop within 2 to 5 minutes.
Elevate the limb above the heart while applying pressure if the wound is on a limb and you don't suspect a fracture.
Layer additional sterile bandages on top of blood-soaked bandages. Don't remove the gauze that's already in place, as this may disrupt the clotting.
Apply pressure to pressure points if bleeding persists after 15 or 20 minutes of direct pressure (see "How to Treat Severe Bleeding During First Aid").
Aftercare
Immobilize the limb using a splint, in cases of serious bleeding from limbs, to prevent bleeding from recurring.
Clean and dress the wound after bleeding has been controlled in order to prevent infection (see "How to Clean a Wound During First Aid" and "How to Close a Wound During First Aid").