Uncontrolled bleeding that will not stop on its own.
Stay as calm as you can. Panic makes hands shake and slows your thinking.
Press firmly on the wound with the cleanest cloth available — clothing, a towel, anything.
Do not remove the cloth once applied. If it soaks through, press more cloth on top.
Maintain firm, continuous pressure for a minimum of 10 full minutes without releasing.
If the wound is on an arm or leg, raise that limb above the level of the heart.
If bleeding is from a limb and will not stop after 10 minutes of pressure, tie a firm band of cloth above the wound — never on the neck, chest, or abdomen.
Keep the person lying down and still. Talk to them calmly to prevent shock.
Send someone for help immediately while you maintain pressure.
Blood is bright red and spurting rhythmically — arterial bleeding, extremely urgent.
Person becomes confused, pale, cold and clammy — signs of haemorrhagic shock.
Bleeding is from the neck, chest, or abdomen.
Bleeding follows a serious fall, accident, or impact to the head.
Do not remove any object embedded in the wound — press around it instead.
Do not apply a tourniquet to the neck, chest, or abdomen under any circumstances.
Do not give the person anything to eat or drink — surgery may be required.
Do not release pressure to check the wound before 10 minutes have passed.
✓ What Helps
· Sterile gauze or bandages to maintain pressure
· Medical tape to secure dressing once bleeding slows
✗ What To Avoid
· Do not apply any cream, powder, or home remedy to an actively bleeding wound
· Avoid aspirin — it thins blood and worsens bleeding
→ Ask The Pharmacist For
· Sterile wound dressings
· Antiseptic solution for cleaning once bleeding is controlled
🏥 Get Professional Help
This is a life-threatening emergency. Get to the nearest hospital or clinic immediately. Do not wait to see if bleeding improves on its own.