In a survival situation, uncontrolled bleeding can quickly become life-threatening. Whether it’s a minor cut or a severe wound, knowing how to stop bleeding is a fundamental skill that can save a life—your own or someone else’s. The goal is to control blood loss until professional medical help is available or until the body’s natural clotting mechanisms kick in.
This guide walks you through the key techniques for managing bleeding when resources are limited.
Understanding Types of Bleeding
Recognizing the type of bleeding helps determine the right response:
- Capillary Bleeding: A slow ooze from a scrape or minor cut. Usually stops on its own.
- Venous Bleeding: Dark red, steady flow. From veins; significant but generally controllable.
- Arterial Bleeding: Bright red, spurting or pulsing. From arteries; the most dangerous and urgent.
Immediate Steps: Assess and Act
Use the DR ABC framework, but focus on “C” for Circulation/Bleeding once you’ve ensured the scene is safe.
- Ensure Scene Safety: Don’t put yourself in danger.
- Expose the Wound: Cut or remove clothing to view the bleeding source.
- Apply Direct Pressure:
- Use any clean cloth (shirt, gauze, bandana). Bare hands if necessary.
- Press firmly and continuously over the wound.
- Don’t lift to check. Add more cloth if soaked.
- Elevate the limb if possible and no fracture is suspected.
Advanced Techniques for Severe Bleeding
Pressure Bandage
For controlling bleeding after initial pressure:
- Keep pressing.
- Add a thick pad over the wound.
- Wrap with bandage or cloth tightly, but not enough to cut circulation.
- Check distal pulse and skin color/warmth to ensure blood flow.
Tourniquet (For Severe Limb Bleeding)
Last resort, used when direct pressure fails:
- Use a wide, flat material (belt, scarf). Avoid rope or wire.
- Place 2-3 inches above wound, never on a joint.
- Wrap, tie a half-knot, insert a rigid object (stick, pen).
- Tie a square knot over it, twist until bleeding stops.
- Secure the stick, write the time of application.
- Do not remove unless directed by medical personnel.
Wound Packing (For Deep, Non-Limb Wounds)
Effective in torso, neck, groin, or armpit injuries:
- Fully expose the wound.
- Find the source of bleeding.
- Tightly pack with clean gauze or cloth.
- Apply pressure for at least 10 minutes.
- Secure with a pressure bandage if moving is necessary.
General Survival Considerations
- Gloves/Barrier: Use gloves or any barrier to avoid infections.
- Prevent Shock: Keep the person warm, elevate legs if no spine injury.
- Stay Calm: Helps both you and the victim.
- Seek Help: Once bleeding is under control, medical care becomes the next priority.
Mastering how to stop bleeding is one of the most essential survival skills. Direct pressure is always your first move. Practice these methods in training or at least review them mentally to stay ready when it counts.
