How to Stop Bleeding

Bleeding is the condition where blood escapes from the blood vessels in any part of the body. When injured and bleeding, it is crucial to quickly stop the blood loss. Usually, you can stop the bleeding without much difficulty. However, in severe cases, heavy and continuous bleeding may lead to shock, circulatory disorders, or other serious consequences. In some situations, uncontrolled bleeding can damage tissues and vital organs, resulting in a risk of death. You need to assess the bleeding location and severity, and apply the correct first aid measures. If the bleeding is excessive or cannot be stopped, seek immediate medical attention.

Wash the cut with water. Running water helps clean the wound and stop the bleeding. You can turn on cold water to flow over the cut to constrict the blood vessels and stop the bleeding, or use hot water to harden the wound and help the blood clot. Do not use both hot and cold water – choose one method for the best result.

• You can use ice cubes instead of cold water to constrict blood vessels. Press an ice cube against the cut for a few seconds until the wound closes and the bleeding stops.
• If you have several small cuts, you can take a warm shower to clean and harden multiple wounds at once.

Use a styptic pencil. Initially designed to treat small cuts and razor burns, this wax-based pencil is also highly effective for minor cuts. Simply apply the pencil to the skin and let the minerals work to seal the wound. It might sting slightly at first, but within seconds, the pain will subside and the bleeding will stop.

Apply Vaseline to promote clotting. Apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the wound. With its waxy consistency, Vaseline can block the flow of blood on the skin’s surface and help form a clot. Regular lip balm can also work as an alternative if you don’t have Vaseline available.

Use an antiperspirant product. Similar to the styptic pencil, antiperspirants contain aluminum chloride, which acts as an astringent to stop bleeding. You can apply a small amount of the product onto your finger and rub it onto the cut, or directly roll it onto the wound.

Apply Listerine solution to the cut. Originally used after shaving, Listerine can disinfect the wound and help stop the bleeding. You can pour Listerine directly onto the cut or dip a cotton ball into it and dab it onto the wound. You will notice the bleeding slowing down within 1-2 minutes.

Use an alum block. This product, which resembles a bar of soap, is made from minerals that help stop bleeding. Wet the alum block with water and gently rub it on the cut. You don’t need to press the block into the wound; the minerals will do their job on their own.

Apply white vinegar to disinfect the wound. The astringent properties of vinegar help disinfect and promote clotting on the cut. Soak a cotton ball with white vinegar, dab it on the wound, and wait for the bleeding to stop.

Try witch hazel to stop the bleeding. Similar to white vinegar, witch hazel acts as a natural astringent that is highly effective in clotting blood on a wound. Pour witch hazel directly on the wound or use a cotton ball soaked in it to dab the area.

Sprinkle cornstarch on the wound. Lightly sprinkle some cornstarch on the cut, being careful not to rub or aggravate the injury further. You can gently press on the cut to help the cornstarch take effect quickly. Rinse the cornstarch off under running water once the bleeding has stopped.

Use spider webs in an emergency situation. This is a great option when you are out camping or in the wilderness. Gather some spider webs (be sure there are no spiders!) and apply them to the wound, wrapping it if necessary. The spider web will help stop the bleeding and assist in clotting inside the wound.

Bandage the cut once bleeding has been controlled. Use a clean bandage or gauze to cover the wound, protecting it from dirt and preventing further bleeding. You can use a simple adhesive bandage or a clean gauze pad.

Lie down. To reduce the risk of shock, elevate the legs or lie with the head positioned lower than the body. If you're helping someone else, check their breathing and circulation before taking any further steps.

• If you suspect the person is in shock, immediately call emergency services or seek medical help.

Elevate the injured arm or leg. Raising the injured limb (assuming it's an arm or leg) can help reduce heavy bleeding. However, do not attempt to move the limb if you suspect it may be fractured.

Remove any debris from the wound. Clean visible dirt, sand, and foreign objects, but do not overclean the wound as it might worsen the injury. The priority is to stop the bleeding, and wound cleaning can be done afterward.

• If the foreign object is large (like a big shard of glass, a knife, or similar items), leave it in place. The object may help stop the bleeding. Gently apply pressure around it, being careful not to push it deeper.

Press firmly on the wound until the bleeding stops. Place a clean gauze or cloth on the wound and apply pressure by placing your hand on the gauze. If there is nothing else available, you can press directly on the wound with your hand.

Maintain consistent pressure on the wound. If the injury is on an arm or leg, you can use bandages or cloth to wrap around the wound to keep the pressure stable (a triangular cloth placed on the wound and tightly secured is ideal). For wounds in areas like the groin where wrapping isn't possible, you can place a thick gauze on the wound and press down with your hand.

Be mindful if blood begins to seep from the wound. Add more gauze or bandages on top if blood soaks through the first layer. However, avoid wrapping too many layers as it could reduce the pressure applied to the wound. If you're unsure whether the bandages are effective, remove them and check. If the bleeding seems controlled, you can maintain pressure until you're certain the blood has stopped or until emergency personnel arrive.

Use pressure points if necessary. If direct pressure on the wound isn't enough to stop the bleeding, you can combine it with pressure on one of the pressure points. Use your fingers to press on the blood vessels. Common pressure points include:

• Brachial artery for wounds on the forearm. This artery runs along the inside of the arm, from the armpit to the elbow.
• Femoral artery for wounds on the thigh. This artery is located in the groin, near the pelvis.
• Popliteal artery for wounds on the lower leg. This artery is located at the back of the knee.

Maintain pressure until the bleeding stops or emergency responders arrive. Do not stop applying pressure if you're unsure whether the bleeding has ceased. If you don't see blood soaking through the gauze, check the wound periodically to ensure the bleeding has stopped.

• Do not apply pressure to the artery for more than 5 minutes after the bleeding has stopped.
• Use a tourniquet if the bleeding becomes life-threatening. A tourniquet can quickly control bleeding when used correctly, but it can cause harm if applied incorrectly.

Monitor the victim's breathing. Make sure the bandage isn't too tight. If the victim feels cold, has pale skin, or their toes or fingers don't return to their original color when pressed, or if they report numbness or a tingling sensation, the bandage may be too tight.

Call emergency services immediately if you suspect the victim has internal bleeding. Get the person to the hospital as quickly as possible. This condition cannot be treated at home, and only a doctor is qualified to manage it. Symptoms of internal bleeding include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Low blood pressure
• Cold, sweaty skin
• Dizziness or confusion
• Pain and swelling around the injury site
• Visible bruising on the skin

Help the victim relax in a comfortable position. Avoid attempting to move and try to keep them lying down if possible. If you're assisting a victim who may have internal bleeding, reassure them and help them rest in a comfortable position to prevent further injury.

Check respiratory status. Monitor the airway, breathing, and blood circulation. Control any external bleeding if necessary.

Maintain the victim's normal body temperature. Keep them from becoming too hot or too cold by placing a damp cloth on their forehead.