If the bleeding isn’t controlled quickly, they may lose a lot of blood, become unresponsive and possibly develop shock. Shock does not mean emotional shock; it is a life-threatening condition, often caused by loss of blood.
Your priority is to stop the bleeding.
What to do
Follow the steps below:
Step 1
With open wounds, there’s a risk of infection, so wear protective first aid gloves (if available) to help prevent any infection passing between you both.
Step 2
Control the bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound.
Step 3
Dial 999 or 112 for the emergency services
Step 4
Apply an appropriate dressing firmly to control the bleeding and minimise the risk of infection. It should not be so tight that it restricts the casualty’s circulation.
Step 5
Treat for shock by lying the casualty down with their feet raised. If possible, lay the casualty on a blanket or some other item to insulate them from the cold ground. If the casualty has a head injury, lay them down and slightly raise their head and shoulders.
Step 6
If blood comes through the dressing, remove the dressing and reapply direct pressure over the wound with a new dressing or pad to control the bleeding.
Step 7
Secure the dressing with the bandage once the bleeding is controlled, tie the knot over the pad to help maintain pressure
Step 8
It may be that the call handler instructs you how to improvise a tourniquet to control life-threatening bleeding if you are not trained or do not have a tourniquet in your first aid kit, using items such as a triangular bandage, belt, or tie.
Step 9
Monitor the casualty’s breathing and level of response while waiting for the emergency services to arrive.
