How to Stop a Wound From Bleeding

Profuse bleeding from an injury can lead to unconsciousness or death if not treated promptly. Often, simply stopping the bleeding adds precious time to the emergency medical process, allowing a chance for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to arrive and complete first aid. Everyone should know how to stop a wound from bleeding, regardless of the situation. Read on to learn how to stop a wound from bleeding.

Things You'll Need

• Latex gloves
• Tourniquet (depending on the wound)
• First aid kit
• Gauze bandages

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Instructions

• 1

  Put on your own protective gear such as goggles, latex gloves or a protective smock.

• 2

  Remove clothing or other obstructions from the wound site. You will have a much easier time trying to stop the bleeding if you can see the wound clearly. Use scissors to cut away pants or simply tear away the fabric until you have a clear view.

• 3

  Apply direct pressure to the wound using your hands and some surgical gauze. If the wound is gaping and open, then you will want to stuff the wound with gauze to help stop the bleeding. It is a good idea to flush the wound a bit using an irrigating syringe--or a completely clean water bottle if you don't have an irrigating syringe--if the injury occurred as a result of broken glass or similar materials.

• 4

  Hold the pressure unceasingly for at least five to eight minutes. While many wounds will likely stop bleeding within two minutes, applying continual pressure for five minutes or more helps to increase the chances that the wound will not reopen while the patient is in transport. It also helps to create a stronger bond.

• 5

  Tie off blood access to arteries using a tourniquet in the event that a major vessel has been injured. Tourniquets should be applied at the top of the arm by the shoulder or at the hips when the injury is to the leg. Tourniquets needs to be very tight in order to be effective, so it's best to use a material that can be wound using a stick or similar twisting tool.