Bleeding

An Article by Worsley Training – First Aid Training in and around Wiltshire

1 – Sit or lie the casualty down

2 – Check the wound for any stuck objects – if found, do not remove

3 – Apply direct pressure with some clean material for 10 minutes to allow clotting (tea towel, muslin, spare t-shirt etc.)

4 – Apply a sterile wound dressing

5 – If blood comes through it, take it off and start again applying direct pressure

6 – If it doesn’t stop then take them to A&E

For years we also taught you to elevate the wound, but recent studies have shown that the direct pressure does the majority of the job. Therefore, support the limb in a comfortable position and slightly elevated if easily done, but not at the expense of direct pressure.

I can also teach a course on catastrophic bleeds including the use of tourniquets and haemostatic dressings for anyone working in hazardous environments. Get in touch if this would be useful.

Book onto one of our courses today and start feeling confident about first aid – Book a course