What are the Types of Bleeding?

SEO Key Takeaways – First Aid for Bleeding (CPR First Aid)

1. Bleeding Types & Severity – Bleeding (haemorrhage) can be external or internal, ranging from minor cuts to life-threatening arterial bleeds; arterial bleeding is bright red, fast, and requires immediate medical attention if major arteries are involved.

2. Minor Bleeding First Aid – For capillary or minor cuts, apply continuous pressure for 30 seconds, clean the wound, and cover with a sterile dressing to reduce infection risk and promote healing.

3. External Severe Bleeding (R.I.D.) – Follow Rest, Immobilise, Direct Pressure: keep the injured part still, apply direct pressure with sterile gauze or clean cloth, and secure with a bandage until bleeding stops.

4. Embedded Objects & Incisions – Never remove embedded objects; apply a doughnut bandage around the object and seek emergency help. For incisions, clean thoroughly and apply R.I.D.; deep incisions require professional care.

5. Internal Bleeding Signs – Watch for bruising, swelling, rigid abdomen, or blood in vomit; minor cases can use cold packs, but suspected severe internal bleeding requires immediate 000 / 112 call.

6. Head & Skull Bleeding – Suspected skull fractures or concussion require indirect pressure and minimal movement; if bleeding is from the head, follow DRS ABCD and call emergency services promptly.

7. Nosebleeds (Epistaxis) – Sit the casualty tilted forward, pinch the soft part of the nose, avoid swallowing or sniffing, and apply cold compresses; seek help if bleeding persists beyond 20 minutes.

8. Amputation & Partial Amputation – Control bleeding with R.I.D., immobilise the limb, and preserve amputated parts in a sterile bag on ice without direct contact; urgent hospital transfer is essential.

9. Life-Threatening Bleeding Management – Use arterial tourniquets or haemostatic dressings when direct pressure fails; note application time, follow manufacturer or ANZCOR guidelines, and prioritise rapid hospital transfer.

10. First Aid Training Importance – Learning first aid skills prepares bystanders to manage bleeding, traumatic injuries, and medical emergencies effectively, potentially saving lives in real-world scenarios.

Bleeding, also termed haemorrhage, is a prevalent condition requiring first aid. It occurs when a rupture of blood vessels causes a loss of blood. Depending on which vessels have been damaged, there are several types of haemorrhage or bleeding, which can vary from minor to life-threatening.

In the most serious bleeds, arteries (which carry fast-flowing blood from the heart) are damaged. Arterial bleeding is typically very fast and bright red and can result in a significant loss of blood if not controlled. If damage occurs to the major arteries, such as the aorta or femoral arteries, immediate medical emergency attention is required to prevent death from severe bleeding and blood loss.

Types of Bleeding

• External bleeding means vessel and skin damage, and blood leaks, spurts, or trickles outside the body. This is generally easy to see as it may yield open wounds. However, this can be hidden beneath clothing and should be checked for during your DRS ABCD check. First Aid measures for external bleeding should include controlling blood loss, using sterile, hygienic measures to reduce the risk of infection where possible and watching for signs of shock.
• Internal bleeding is the same process as external bleeding. The only difference is that the blood leaks inside the body, making it very difficult to detect unless explicitly looking for it. When checking for bleeding during your DRS ABCD check, you should always include a palpation touch of the casualty’s abdomen and thighs to detect any internal bleeding early.
  

How Wounds Heal: The Factors at Play

Once the skin is wounded, various blood cells (platelets) within the body create a clot. The clotting process – the blood coagulation process – follows several steps from here. The clots protect the wound and work to stop further blood loss. A particular net called a fibrin clot made by a protein called fibrinogen is the last stop that helps to hold the clot in place. Eventually, the clot turns into a scab.

After, the wound requires oxygen and nutrients to heal. The body’s white blood cells oversee its protection. New blood cells come together and create new tissue. Eventually, scarring happens. The wound will repair and strengthen over time. Depending on the severity of the wound, healing can take up to two years.

Potential Problems During Wound Healing

The overall process of healing a wound is known as hemostasis. While this process occurs naturally, several problems could arise. Poor wound healing has several potential contributing factors, such as too little blood supply, the interrupted flow of blood, high blood pressure, palpitations, diabetes, and obesity. Many of these risk factors are often seen in the elderly.

Too many clots can also form, blocking blood flow and causing problems. They can cause heart attacks, strokes, deep vein thrombosis, and eventually pulmonary embolisms. Too much clotting can be caused by cancers, conditions such as protein C deficiency and prothrombin gene mutation, sepsis, and medications that have antiplatelet and anticoagulant factors.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, blood may lack the ability to clot well. This can lead to damaged blood vessels, internal bleeding, and more injuries. Cancers like leukaemia can cause this. Several genetic conditions or bleeding disorders, such as Von Willebrand disease, inherited thrombocytopenia, and a possible deficiency of clotting factors, are also included.

Visiting a haematology professional can help diagnose and fix these problems. One should also watch out for several symptoms of abnormal clotting. These include things like potential stroke symptoms, chest pain, blood in the urine, and much more. These symptoms vary based on where the wound is. If any are felt, seek medical advice immediately.

First Aid for Minor Bleeding 

For a minor bleeding wound (cuts, scrapes, abrasions, etc.), apply continuous pressure to the source of the bleeding with a dressing for about 30 seconds. Clean the wound if necessary, and cover with a sterile or clean dressing. This minor type of bleeding is also called capillary bleeding.

First Aid for External Bleeding (R.I.D.)

First aid for severe external bleeding should follow three basic steps as listed below:

• Rest—Any movement of the injured body part can potentially increase the bleeding and make it harder to control. The body part should be kept still until the bleeding is controlled.
• Immobilise – Immobilise the bleeding part and restrict movement
• Direct Pressure—This step is the most important and involves using an absorbent material, ideally a dressing such as sterile gauze. If you do not have this you can use a clean towel, clothing, or even your hand. Once the pressure is applied to the wound, a pressure bandage can be used to maintain it by wrapping it firmly around the wound and dressing.

Bleeding Video

Please watch the video on applying the R.I.D. treatment (first half of the video), as you will be asked to demonstrate this for your assessment.

Bleeding (embedded objects)

• This is an object that has punctured the skin and is physically stuck in the casualty. Examples include shrapnel, glass, or even being stabbed by a knife.
• NEVER attempt to remove an embedded object from an injured person
• A doughnut bandage should be applied around the object to reduce the bleeding and to keep the object as still as possible
• Carefully place the bandage over the object without moving the object
• Use a roller bandage to firmly wrap around the doughnut bandage to keep it in place. This will also apply firm pressure around the object to reduce any bleeding
• Seek emergency services for medical aid

Incision

• Type: An incision is a cut to the skin caused by a sharp-edged item such as a knife, broken glass, razor blade, sheet metal, scissors, etc. The cut edges of the skin are usually neat, straight or smooth.
• Skin Level: Incisions can be shallow, only harming the surface skin, or quite deep, causing injury to the ligaments, muscles, tendons, blood vessels or nerves and bleeding extensively
• First Aid: All incisions should be thoroughly cleaned. Apply RID to stop the bleeding. For deep incisions, seek medical attention from your healthcare providers.

Bleeding (internal)

Signs of Internal Bleeding:

• bruised, swollen, tender or rigid abdomen
• blood in vomit
• wounds that have penetrated the chest or abdomen

First Aid for Internal Bleeding:

• If the internal bleed is minor, such as some bruising, cold packs can be applied to the area to reduce the swelling and relieve pain
• If you suspect more severe internal bleeding, carefully monitor the casualty and call 000 / 112 immediately

Bleeding (head/skull)

• If a casualty has sustained a significant head injury, then internal bleeding into the brain should be considered
• If the casualty complains of a severe headache, seems confused, disorientated or loses consciousness after a head injury, you should call 000 / 112 immediately
• If the casualty is bleeding from the head after a trauma, a first aider should not apply firm direct pressure on the wound if there is a risk of a skull fracture
• If the skull feels ‘spongy’ or you are not sure, indirect pressure can be applied by wrapping a bandage around the head with minimal risk of causing brain injury by pushing a fractured skull into the brain

Treatment:

• If concussion, bleeding inside the skull, or a skull fracture is suspected, the casualty should be placed in a quiet and dark room, with the head and shoulders raised slightly on a pillow or blanket – (lying down the casualty will help reduce the risk of fainting)
• Try not to move the casualty unnecessarily, and avoid moving the casualty’s neck. Call 000 / 112
• If a skull fracture is not suspected, use firm direct pressure on the wound with a sterile dressing or clean cloth
• If the area feels spongy, do not apply direct pressure, as the casualty may have a skull fracture
• Seek medical aid, watch for changes, and apply DRS ABCD as required

Bleeding (ear)

• Bleeding from the ear is a sign of internal bleeding within the skull
• Medical aid should be sought for all situations where this occurs

Treatment:

• If the casualty is conscious, ask them to get comfortable (sitting up preferred) and lean towards the injured side, with the affected ear facing toward the floor
• Place an absorbent cloth underneath to collect the blood
• If the casualty is unconscious, follow DRS ABCD. If they are breathing, place them in recovery with the affected ear facing down.
• Call 000 / 112 and do not leave the casualty unattended.

Nosebleed (Epistaxis)

Nosebleeds are relatively common and usually not serious unless bleeding continues for more than 20 minutes.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Bleeding from either or both nostrils
• A sensation of flowing liquid at the back of the throat
• The urge to swallow frequently

Treatment:

• Ask the casualty to sit down with their head tilted forwards
• The casualty should pinch the soft part of their nose while keeping their head tilted forward to allow the blood to clot
• The casualty should breathe through their mouth and avoid speaking, swallowing, coughing, spitting or sniffing because this may disturb blood clots that may have formed in the nose
• Cold compressions applied to the back of the neck can also assist in reducing the bleeding
• If the bleeding does not stop within 20 minutes, seek immediate medical help

Complete Amputation

Amputation is the removal of any part of the body, either by surgery, disease or traumatic event.

Amputation accidents around the home or workplace commonly involve a finger or a toe. More serious amputations include legs or arms and can occur in workplaces using industrial equipment.

First Aid – Stop the bleeding: (R.I.D.)

In the event of the amputation of a body part, first aid involves controlling the bleeding and looking after the casualty, finding the amputated part and transporting the casualty to the hospital or calling 000 / 112.

• Lay the casualty down (REST)
• Apply DIRECT PRESSURE using sterile gauze or, if unavailable, a clean cloth
• Continue direct pressure for at least 15 minutes
• IMMOBILISE the bleeding part and restrict movement
• If the bandaging soaks through with blood, apply another on top and continue direct pressure

Amputated Parts:

• Care should be taken for the amputated part, as it may still be possible to reattach it surgically. The most important thing would be to keep it cool and clean
• Do not wash the amputated part
• Cover and wrap the cleaned amputated part in the sterile dressing, then place it in a plastic resealable bag.
• Place the sealed bag on ice or in a container of cold water
• Never place the amputated part directly on ice, as that could damage the tissue
• Transport the amputated part with the casualty to the nearest hospital

Partial Imputation

• Partial amputation is when a limb has been severely damaged but is still partially attached to the body.
• Wrap or cover the injured area with a sterile dressing or clean cloth
• Apply direct pressure to reduce the bleeding if necessary
• Remember not to cut off blood flow to the area by compressing the area too tightly
• Gently splint the injured area to prevent movement or further damage
• Transport the casualty to medical assistance or call 000 / 112

Bleeding – If Severe or Life-Threatening:

(Following excerpt from ANZCOR Guideline 9.1.1)

Bleeding should be managed as severe, life-threatening bleeding in the following situations:

• Amputated or partially amputated limb above wrist or ankle
• Shark attack, propeller cuts or similar major trauma to any part of the body
• Bleeding is not controlled by local pressure
• Bleeding with signs of shock, i.e. pale and sweaty plus pulse rate >100 and decreased level of consciousness

Positioning Individuals with Shock

If possible, position the person lying down rather than sitting upright (CoSTR 2015, weak recommendation, low-quality evidence).

For individuals in shock who are lying on their back (supine) and show no signs of trauma, a passive leg raise (PLR) may temporarily improve circulation, though this effect typically lasts less than seven minutes.

While the clinical significance of this short-term improvement is unclear, no studies have reported adverse effects from PLR4. However, due to its brief impact and uncertain benefits, ANZCOR recommends keeping individuals in shock in a supine position without elevating their legs (CoSTR 2015, values and preferences statement).

Controlling the bleeding takes priority over airway and breathing interventions such as resuscitation.

• If available, use standard precautions, e.g. gloves, protective glasses
• If bleeding from a limb & not controlled by pressure, apply an arterial tourniquet * above the bleeding point
• If the wound site is not suitable for a tourniquet, or from a limb when a tourniquet is not available or has still led to uncontrolled bleeding, apply a haemostatic dressing *
• For most non-life-threatening cases, follow DRSABCD, where bleeding control follows establishing an airway and commencing CPR if required * If knowledgeable in first aid or CPR training and one is available.

Arterial Tourniquet (Following excerpt from ANZCOR Guideline 9.1.1)

• Arterial tourniquets should only be used for life-threatening bleeding from a limb where the bleeding cannot be controlled by direct pressure. This is a last resort
• Commercially manufactured windlass tourniquets, such as those based on military designs, are more effective than improvised tourniquets. An example of an army tourniquet is shown
• Effective use of commercial tourniquets is optimal when first aid providers are trained in proper application techniques
• All arterial tourniquets should be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions (or 5 cm above the bleeding point if there are no instructions) and tightened until the bleeding stops

CAUTION: A tourniquet should not be applied over a joint or wound and must not be covered by any bandage or clothing.

• If a tourniquet does not stop the bleeding, its position and application must be checked. Ideally, the tourniquet is not applied over clothing or wetsuits; it is applied tightly, even if this causes local discomfort.
• If bleeding continues, a second tourniquet (if available) should be applied to the limb, preferably above the first.
• If a correctly applied tourniquet(s) has failed to control the bleeding, consider using a haemostatic dressing in conjunction with the tourniquet.
• The time of tourniquet application must be noted and communicated to emergency/expert personnel.
• Once applied, the casualty requires urgent transfer to the hospital, and the tourniquet should not be removed until the casualty receives specialist care.

NOTE: An elastic venous tourniquet (generally used to assist with drawing blood samples) is not suitable for use as an arterial tourniquet

Improvised tourniquets are unlikely to stop all circulation to the injured limb without risking tissue damage. However, they can increase bleeding if they do not stop all circulation.

Nonetheless, in life-threatening bleeding, an improvised tourniquet is likely to be better than no tourniquet. Tourniquets, ideally of a similar broad width to commercial types, can be improvised using materials from a first aid kit (e.g., triangular bandage, elastic bandage), clothing, a surfboard leg rope, or other similar items.

Improvised tourniquets should be tightened by twisting a rod or stick under the improvised tourniquet band, similar to the windlass in commercial tourniquets.

• If a tourniquet does not stop the bleeding, its position and application must be checked. Ideally, the tourniquet is not applied over clothing or wetsuits; it is applied tightly, even if this causes local discomfort.
• If bleeding continues, a second tourniquet (if available) should be applied to the limb, preferably above the first.
• If a correctly applied tourniquet(s) has failed to control the bleeding, consider using a haemostatic dressing in conjunction with the tourniquet.
• The time of tourniquet application must be noted and communicated to emergency/expert personnel.
• Once applied, the casualty requires urgent transfer to the hospital, and the tourniquet should not be removed until the casualty receives specialist care.

NOTE: An elastic venous tourniquet (generally used to assist with drawing blood samples) is not suitable for use as an arterial tourniquet

Improvised tourniquets are unlikely to stop all circulation to the injured limb without risking tissue damage. However, they can increase bleeding if they do not prevent all circulation.

Nonetheless, in life-threatening bleeding, an improvised tourniquet is likely to be better than no tourniquet. Tourniquets, ideally of a similar broad width to commercial types, can be improvised using materials from a first aid kit (e.g., triangular bandage, elastic bandage), clothing, a surfboard leg rope, or other similar items.

Improvised tourniquets should be tightened by twisting a rod or stick under the improvised tourniquet band, similar to the windlass in commercial tourniquets.

Haemostatic dressings (Following excerpt from ANZCOR Guideline 9.1.1)

• Haemostatic dressings are impregnated with agents that help stop bleeding.
• When available and the first aid provider is trained in their use, haemostatic dressings are of most value in the following situations:
  -Severe, life-threatening bleeding not controlled by wound pressure from a site not suitable for tourniquet use, such as a significant ‘crater’ wound
  -Severe, life-threatening bleeding from a limb, not controlled by wound pressure, when the use of a tourniquet(s) alone has not stopped the bleeding, or a tourniquet is not available
• Haemostatic dressings must be applied close to the bleeding point, held against the wound using local pressure (manually initially), and then placed with a bandage (if available). Haemostatic dressings should be left on the bleeding point until definitive care is available

Summary Statement (Following excerpt from ANZCOR Guideline 9.1.1)

The need to control the bleeding is paramount.

The risks associated with the first aid use of tourniquets and haemostatic dressings are less than the risk of uncontrolled severe, life-threatening bleeding.

These adjuncts provide temporary bleeding control, and rapid transfer to the hospital remains critically important.

Learning First Aid

You can experience these bleeding emergencies as a bystander at any time or place. That is why it is essential to learn the necessary skills that can help save a life via first aid training. Handling certain medical conditions and traumatic injuries, managing bleeding, checking vital signs, and many more life-saving skills will be helpful.