Lyme Ambulance Association, Inc.
Severe Bleeding
EMERGENCY
– ACT FAST –
Learn to recognize the different types of bleeding
Bleeding from capillaries usually stops on its own (think finger prick.)
Bleeding from a vein can be controlled most often by simply applying steady pressure for a few minutes using a clean cloth or bandage. Seek medical attention if:
- Blood keeps oozing after 10 minutes
- Ragged or gaping edges
- Deep puncture wound
- Animal or human bite
- Facial wound
Arterial bleeding is bright red or yellowish, pulsing or spurting with the heartbeat.
If you suspect arterial bleeding
CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY
then stanch the wound
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Call, or have someone Call 911 while you press a folded clean cloth against the wound as hard as you can with both hands.
If the wound is deep, wad the cloth (your shirt will do in a pinch) and stuff it into the wound, then place both hands on top and push as hard as you can. Keep pushing.
DO NOT stop
until EMS arrives
DO NOT lift
the cloth to check
Uncontrolled bleeding is the #1 cause of preventable death from trauma
A person can die from blood loss in as little as 5 minutes. But someone trained in what to do could give the victim the best possible chance for survival, buying critical time until EMS arrives. We all hope that if a loved one suffered a traumatic injury, someone would step up to help — someone trained in how to STOP The Bleed. More than a million people have taken the STOP The Bleed course. We hope you will too. The more people trained the more help and hope for everyone.
Watch this video to see how someone — even a stranger — can make ALL the difference.
Take our STOP the Bleed class
Reading about what to do for arterial bleeding is not the same as getting expert instruction and the guidance needed to act fast and confidently when a life is on the line. Lyme Ambulance strongly encourages Lyme residents to take our free STOP the Bleed class. When a class is scheduled, the date will be posted on our homepage, or you can call (860) 434-7225 for the date of the next class.
Consider getting a STOP the Bleed kit
The kit includes pressure bandages and a tourniquet, along with instructions. Or get two kits: one for your home and one for your vehicle. You don’t have to have the kit to stop severe bleeding, but it helps. Call Lyme Ambulance at (860) 434-7225 for recommendations.
