You can use an ice cube instead of cold water to close off the blood vessels. Hold the ice to the cut for a few seconds until the wound closes up and stops bleeding. If you have multiple small cuts on your body, taking a hot shower will clean off all the blood and cauterize the multiple gashes at the same time.
If blood soaks through the tissue or gauze, replace it with a clean, dry piece.
If you suspect the person you are helping is in shock, seek medical attention or call emergency services right away.
If the foreign object is large, however (e. g. , a large piece of glass, a knife, or similar), do not remove it. It is most likely stopping a lot of the bleeding itself. Just put pressure on the area around the object, taking care not to push it in further.
The brachial artery, for wounds on the lower arm. Runs on the inside of the arm between the elbow and armpit. The femoral artery, for thigh wounds. Runs along the groin near the bikini line. [10] X Research source The popliteal artery, for wounds on the lower leg. This is found behind the knee.
Do not apply pressure to an artery for longer than 5 minutes after the bleeding has stopped. [11] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Use a tourniquet if the bleeding is life-threatening. Tourniquets usually stop bleeding instantly if applied correctly, but incorrect tourniquet use can harm the patient.
Rapid heartbeat Low blood pressure Cold, sweaty skin Dizziness or confusion Pain and inflammation near the site of the injury Bruising of the skin
