If someone is experiencing severe bleeding, take the following first-aid measures:
Call 911 if the wound is deep or if you are unsure of its severity. Avoid moving the injured person unless necessary to prevent further injury.
Before examining the wound, put on disposable gloves and other protective gear, if available.
Remove any clothing or debris from the wound, but do not attempt to clean it. Do not remove large or deeply embedded objects or probe the wound.
Locate the source of the bleeding and apply pressure with a sterile gauze or clean cloth until the bleeding stops. Avoid pressing on eye injuries, embedded objects, or suspected skull fractures.
Wrap the wound with a thick bandage or cloth and tape. If possible, elevate the wound above heart level.
Help the injured person lie down on a rug or blanket to prevent loss of body heat. Elevate the feet if signs of shock are present, such as weakness, clammy skin, or a rapid pulse.
Add more bandages as needed, and apply a commercially made tourniquet if necessary and if you are trained in its use. Do not use an improvised tourniquet.
Keep the injured person still and wait for emergency help to arrive. If emergency help is not available, take the person to an emergency room as soon as possible.
After helping the injured person, wash your hands thoroughly, even if there is no visible blood on them.
Canadian Red Cross Training Partner and an authorized Heart & Stroke Training Centre , we are equipped to provide exceptional first aid certification training services, as well as ACLS, PALS, and PEARS training courses to meet your unique needs. We specialize in delivering private group training sessions either at our facility or yours, and can provide customized kits containing a variety of first aid supplies. Additionally, our workplace safety solutions are approved by the WSIB, ensuring you receive top-notch training and products to keep your team safe.