First Aid for Severe Bleeding Certification Manual: Initial Emergency Actions

Initial Actions for Severe Bleeding

A severe-bleeding emergency requires immediate, organized action. The responder’s priorities are to remain safe, activate emergency medical services, and begin bleeding control without unnecessary delay. When other people are present, assign one person to call 911 (or, the emergency number in your area) and another to retrieve the bleeding-control kit while direct pressure is applied.

Emergency Action Steps

1. Ensure the scene is safe before approaching the injured person.
2. Obtain consent when the person is responsive and able to provide it.
3. Use disposable gloves or another protective barrier if one is immediately available.
4. Locate the source of the bleeding and immediately apply firm, direct pressure.
5. Have someone call 911 (or, the emergency number in your area) and retrieve the first aid or bleeding-control kit. If you are alone, call 911 (or, the emergency number in your area) on speaker while beginning care.
6. Expose enough of the wound to identify the bleeding source while preserving the person’s privacy and body temperature.
7. Maintain firm, continuous pressure using gauze, a hemostatic dressing, or a clean cloth.
8. Use a commercial tourniquet for appropriate life-threatening bleeding from an arm or leg when direct pressure is ineffective or impractical.
9. Use wound packing for an appropriate deep wound when a tourniquet cannot be applied and you are trained to perform the procedure.
10. Provide care for shock and continue monitoring the person’s responsiveness and breathing.
11. Begin CPR and use an AED if the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally.
12. Continue care until EMS takes over or the scene becomes unsafe.

Do not delay direct pressure while searching for equipment. If gloves are unavailable, use another barrier when possible or instruct the injured person to apply pressure to their own wound if they are able.