Wounded and Bleeding — Reference Guide

Wounds and Bleeding

Learn how to control bleeding, prevent infection, and monitor for shock

Bleeding can range from minor cuts to life-threatening injuries.
The goal of first aid is to stop the bleeding, prevent infection, and monitor for shock.

? Signs & Symptoms

Type Description Example
Capillary Slow, oozing bleeding Minor cuts, grazes
Venous Steady, dark red blood flow Deep cuts or lacerations
Arterial Bright red, spurting blood (life-threatening) Puncture wounds, serious trauma

Treatment

1. Assess the Situation - Primary Assessment

  • Ensure scene safety (gloves, danger check)
  • Get the casualty to sit or lie down

2. Apply Direct Pressure

  • Use a sterile dressing or a clean cloth
  • Press firmly for at least 10 minutes
  • For minor bleeds: replace soaked dressing with a new one
  • For severe bleeds: do not remove the first dressing — add more on top and consider a tourniquet if trained

4. Bandage the Wound

  • Secure with a bandage, not too tight
  • Use a pressure bandage if available

5. Call Emergency Services if:

  • Bleeding is severe or doesn’t stop
  • There’s an embedded object in chest, abdomen, or thigh
  • Casualty shows signs of shock
  • A tourniquet has been used or situation is life-threatening

? DO NOT

  • Remove embedded objects — bandage around them
  • Apply pressure to an eye injury or head wound (possible skull fracture)

? Monitor for Shock

Signs include:

  • Pale, cold, clammy skin
  • Rapid breathing or pulse
  • Weakness, confusion, dizziness

Action:

  • Lay casualty down, raise legs if possible
  • Keep warm and reassured
  • Call 999 if not already done

See Shock: a serious medical condition.

Related Topics

Further Information

Google Reviews

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
5 (406 reviews)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Chris was such a great trainer for our one-day course. Informative, attentive and friendly! Learned so much and helped i…”

Adam Dixon
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“I highly recommend this course! The training was clear, engaging, and very well structured. The instructor was professio…”

Ewelina
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“I highly recommend the one-day First Aid at Work course that I attended at Caroline House, as part of a group from our s…”

Krysia Grzywinska
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“It was a wonderful course for learning first aid knowledge. The teacher's lively and engaging lessons made us learn in a…”

Sofia Lu
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“I attended the three‑day First Aid at Work course with Sarah and had a brilliant experience. Sarah was friendly and appr…”

Gwendolen D’Adamo
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Absolutely fantastic 3 days with Sarah! From coming in the first day was made to feel welcome!! Nothing was to small or …”

Natalie Costello
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“The course was held at my workplace on a Saturday, it was interesting,informative and very educational - I now feel conf…”

dee godleman
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Highly recommended First Aid at Work Course. Well structured, informative and provides a good skill set to not only use…”

Connor Tickle
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“I had a great experience with the first aid training. Sarah was incredibly helpful and supportive throughout the course.…”

M Hassan