Severe bleeding is one of the few conditions that can kill within minutes — and also one an ordinary person most often saves with a single action: strong pressure that doesn't stop.

In short — what to do

  1. Call 998, or have someone do it immediately.
  2. Press directly on the bleeding point with a clean cloth (or your bare hand if none) firmly and continuously.
  3. Don't lift your hand "to check" — interrupted pressure reopens the wound. Keep pressing for at least 10 continuous minutes.
  4. If the cloth soaks through: add a new layer on top and don't remove the old one.
  5. Lay the person down, elevate the bleeding limb if possible, and keep them warm.
  6. Watch for shock: pallor, cold skin, sweating, dizziness — tell the ambulance crew.

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Firm continuous direct pressure with a clean cloth — don't lift to check
Firm continuous direct pressure with a clean cloth — don't lift to check
The full details

The steps

  1. Call 998, or have someone do it immediately.
  2. Press directly on the bleeding point with a clean cloth (or your bare hand if none) firmly and continuously.
  3. Don't lift your hand "to check" — interrupted pressure reopens the wound. Keep pressing for at least 10 continuous minutes.
  4. If the cloth soaks through: add a new layer on top and don't remove the old one.
  5. Lay the person down, elevate the bleeding limb if possible, and keep them warm.
  6. Watch for shock: pallor, cold skin, sweating, dizziness — tell the ambulance crew.

An object embedded in the wound?

Never pull it out — it is plugging what it pierced. Press around it and stabilise it with dressings until the emergency team takes over.

Do NOT

  • Don't put coffee, flour or spices on the wound — contamination that hinders treatment.
  • Don't improvise a tight band around a limb unless trained and the bleeding won't stop with pressure — and tell the crew what time you applied it.

Remember

Clean hands, a piece of cloth, and pressure that doesn't stop — that's the complete equipment for saving a life from bleeding.

This content is for general health education only and is not medical advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. In an emergency, call 998.

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