What to do for more serious bleeding

• Get someone to phone HEMS, or, if you are alone, first try to stop the bleeding and then phone HEMS

• Cut away the patients clothing to expose the wound.

• Apply pressure with a clean dry cloth or dressing. Do not use any medication on the wound until your doctor has seen it.

• If there is any object in the wound don’t remove it. Apply pressure on either side of it.

• Lay the patient down and raise the wounded area above the level of the heart if possible. So, for example, for an arm wound, raise the arm above the head.

• If blood seeps through the dressing, put another dressing on top and provide more pressure to stop the bleeding.

• Keep the patient warm and calm.

• If the blood is spurting in time to the heartbeat and is a bright red colour, an artery may have been cut. Apply direct pressure and elevate the affected area.

 

What to do for  a nose bleed

• Sit down and lean forward. This keeps the blood from draining down the back of your throat.

• Pinch your nostrils closed. Use your thumb and index finger to hold your nostrils closed for 5 to 10 minutes while you breathe through your mouth. This puts pressure on the part of your nose that’s bleeding and can make the blood stop flowing

• If bleeding persists seek medical help.