Severe bleeding
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Call emergency services and press firmly directly on the bleeding wound with a dressing or clean cloth. Maintain pressure. For life-threatening bleeding from an arm or leg, use a commercial tourniquet if trained; follow dispatcher instructions.
Take it with you. Verify locally.
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In immediate danger, contact local emergency services. Current instructions for your location take priority.
Do now.
- 01
Protect and call
Check scene safety, use gloves if available and get emergency help.
- 02
Apply direct pressure
Press firmly over the wound and keep pressing until bleeding stops or appropriate help takes over.
- 03
Use trained techniques
Use a tourniquet or wound packing for the appropriate injury if trained, following the device and dispatcher instructions.
- 04
Monitor the person
Keep them from getting cold, check breathing and remain until responders arrive.
Next steps.
Get urgent medical assessment even if bleeding stops. Take a practical bleeding-control course.
Watch for.
Do not pull an embedded object out; press around it and get help.
Sources & context.
Original Osprey Zero summary of the references below. U.S.-based guidance unless noted; check authorities where you are. This page is not a live alert.
Updated 2026-10-02. First-aid summaries support immediate response and training; they have not received independent clinical review.