How to stop bleeding from injury

Bleeding can occur as a result of numerous ways of injury (from cuts, falls, to traffic accidents). The procedure for stopping bleeding depends on the nature of the injury, and knowing these techniques takes on an added importance in view of the possible health consequences that may occur.

Superficial wound

  • Rinse the injured area with soap and water to remove dirt.
  • Allow the wound to dry on its own.

Slight bleeding

  • After rinsing the wound, it is enough to press it with sterile gauze.
  • If you do not have sterile gauze, use a clean tissue and secure it with a band-aid.

Heavier bleeding

  • Stop the bleeding by direct pressure, by placing a roll of sterile gauze on the wound and holding the bleeding site with moderate pressure.
  • Lift the bleeding body part to reduce blood flow to it.
  • You can secure the sterile gauze with a bandage (if you have one), by wrapping the bandage around it.
  • If you see blood breaking through the gauze and bandage, do not remove them; instead, increase the pressure by adding another gauze to the bleeding site.
  • After 5-10 minutes, check if the bleeding has stopped.
  • If the bleeding has not stopped or the edges of the wound are gaping, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
  • Keep the wound pressed at all times until you arrive at the health facility.
  • If you notice that this part of the body begins to turn blue or cool, release the pressure.

Extremely heavy bleeding:

  • Apply direct pressure to the wound as described above and call the emergency medical service immediately (194).
  • While waiting for the ambulance, keep the wound pressed all the time, and keep the affected body part raised.
  • If you notice that this body part begins to turn blue or cool, release the pressure.
  • Monitor the child's condition and comfort him/her.

What not to do:

  • Never remove objects from the wound as bleeding may increase!
  • Do not put anything in the wound!
  • Wounds that bleed profusely must not be rinsed!