In an emergency

Stop Severe Bleeding

Heavy bleeding can be life-threatening — act fast.

Call 911

Get help coming. Use gloves or a barrier if immediately available, but do not delay lifesaving direct pressure.

Press hard, right on it

Push firmly on the wound with a clean cloth or gauze. Don't peek and don't let up.

Keep the pressure on

If blood soaks through, add more cloth on top — don't remove the first layer. Hold steady pressure until help takes over.

Arm or leg won't stop?

For life-threatening bleeding from an arm or leg that pressure does not control, apply a commercial tourniquet above the wound, closer to the body and not over a joint. Follow its instructions and tighten until bleeding stops.

Firm, steady pressure stops most bleeding — your hands are the fastest tool in the room.