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

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Instructions

Preparation

• 1

  Wash hands thoroughly before beginning treatment.

• 2

  Put on latex gloves before touching the injured person. If blood is spurting, put on protective glasses and a mask.

Pressure and Elevation

• 3

  Pack the opening of the wound with sterile gauze if the wound is large and wide.

• 4

  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.

• 5

  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.

• 6

  Elevate the limb above the heart while applying pressure if the wound is on a limb and you don't suspect a fracture.

• 7

  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.

• 8

  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

• 9

  Immobilize the limb using a splint, in cases of serious bleeding from limbs, to prevent bleeding from recurring.

• 10

  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").