First Aid for Severe Bleeding Certification Manual: Steps to Control Bleeding

Procedure for Controlling Bleeding

1. Elevate the wound and apply pressure with gloved hand
2. Place a dressing or bandage on the wound while still applying pressure
3. If the bleeding persists, consider applying a tourniquet
4. Apply tourniquet 2 inches above the wound (but, not on a joint, the neck, head or core body)
5. Tighten the tourniquet until bleeding stops
6. Note the time that the tourniquet was applied
7. Perform CPR if necessary

Procedure for Dressing and Bandaging a Wound

1. Ensure scene safety
2. Get PPE and first aid kit
3. Dial 911
4. Use the appropriate size gauze to cover and hold on top of the wound
5. Size the gauze by making sure the gauze being used will cover the entire wound
6. Hold pressure on the wound
7. If bleeding is controlled then secure the dressing with tape or if continued pressure is needed, secure the dressing with a bandage

Procedure for Using a Tourniquet

1. Ensure scene safety
2. Get PPE and first aid kit
3. Dial 911
4. Place the tourniquet approximately 2 inches above the wound (do not place on a joint)
5. Tighten the tourniquet until the bleeding has stopped or dramatically slowed
6. Note the time
7. Perform CPR if necessary