What are the signs of major bleeding?
Wounds, lacerations and injuries that are clearly visible and bleed profusely can be a medical emergency.
How to stop heavy bleeding
The goal with heavy bleeding is to stop the bleeding as fast as possible by applying pressure on the wound.
Major bleeding is usually caused by a traumatic injury. The degree of damage to the skin and the underlying tissue depends on the nature of the injury and the force of the impact. Heavy bleeding can trigger an acute blood circulation disorder and cause the body to go into shock.
The number-one priority with a major bleed is to stop the bleeding by almost any means possible. Internal bleeding causes blood to collect inside the body and is not usually visible from the outside.
If you suspect internal bleeding, always call 112.
What to do if someone has a heavily bleeding wound:
1
Help the person to lie or sit down
2
Put pressure directly on the bleeding wound
or instruct the person to press firmly on the wound. If there is a foreign object in the wound (such as a knife), do not pull it out.
3
Prepare a pressure dressing for the wound
using, for example, a roll of gauze and an elastic bandage. You can also use other items, such as a box of matches, a rock or a scarf, if necessary.
4
Keep applying pressure
on the pressure dressing and seek medical attention.
5
If you cannot stop the bleeding or the person goes into shock, call 112
6
Monitor the situation and keep the person calm.
Make sure that the person stays lying down on their back and keep monitoring their condition as you wait for professional help to arrive. Keep the person warm.