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+First Aid Pocket GuideAustralian quick-reference

First-aid guides Severe bleeding

Australian quick reference

Severe bleeding

How to control heavy bleeding while waiting for emergency help.

Serious or worsening symptoms? Call Triple Zero (000).

The short answer

Call 000, lie the person down, apply firm direct pressure on or around the wound and keep pressure on until help arrives. For life-threatening limb bleeding not controlled by pressure, use an arterial tourniquet only if available and you are trained.

Control the bleeding first

What should happen next?

Call Triple Zero (000), lie the person down and keep firm, direct and continuous pressure on or around the wound. For life-threatening bleeding, controlling the bleed takes priority while help is arranged.

Severe bleeding first aid decisions
What you findDo next
Visible severe bleedingExpose the wound, use gloves if available and apply firm, direct, continuous pressure with your hands or a pad. Lie the person down and call 000.
Blood soaks throughKeep the first pad in place. Add one more pad and a tighter bandage, then check that the pressure is directly over the bleeding point.
Object is embeddedDo not remove it. Apply pressure on either side and build pads around the object before bandaging. Keep pressure on and call 000.
Limb bleed will not stop or shock signs appearUse an arterial tourniquet above the wound only for life-threatening limb bleeding when pressure cannot control it, if available and trained. Note the time and do not remove it; keep monitoring and follow 000.

Four things to remember

See the next decision

These visual cues are a memory aid. In a real emergency, call Triple Zero (000) and follow the call-taker's instructions.

DO THIS FIRSTStart here

Call 000 for heavy, spurting or uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of shock such as pale, clammy skin, faintness, confusion or collapse.

RECOGNISELook for this

Blood may be flowing heavily, spurting or soaking through dressings quickly.

DO NOTAvoid this

Do not remove an embedded object.

CALL 000Escalate when needed

Severe, spurting or uncontrolled bleeding, an amputation, major trauma or signs of shock requires 000.

Illustrated field notes

These original illustrations support recall. They are not a substitute for the written steps, a current first-aid course or the Triple Zero (000) call-taker.

Illustration of a helper applying firm pressure to a covered wound while another person calls Triple Zero.
Press nowControl the bleeding

Call 000 and apply firm direct pressure with a dressing or clean cloth.

Close educational illustration of a gloved hand applying firm pressure over a covered wound.
Keep pressure onDo not lift the first dressing

If blood soaks through, add another dressing on top and keep pressing.

Illustration of a helper maintaining pressure while another keeps a person with severe bleeding warm and calls for help.
Watch the personKeep them still and warm

Pale, faint, confused, cold or clammy signs need urgent attention.

Illustration of a helper telling ambulance responders about the cause and amount of bleeding while pressure remains applied.
Tell respondersShare the cause and timeline

Tell responders what caused the bleeding and whether blood thinners are involved.

Visual memory cue

See the pattern before you practise

Use this simple visual reminder alongside the written steps. In a real emergency, call Triple Zero (000) and follow the call-taker's instructions.

01

What to do first

  • Call 000 for heavy, spurting or uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of shock such as pale, clammy skin, faintness, confusion or collapse.
  • Use gloves if available, expose the wound and apply firm, direct and continuous pressure with your hands or a pad.
  • If blood soaks through, keep the first pad in place, add one more pad and a tighter bandage, then check that pressure is directly over the bleeding point.
  • If an object is embedded, do not remove it. Apply pressure on either side and build pads around it before bandaging.
  • For life-threatening bleeding from a limb that pressure cannot control, use an arterial tourniquet above the wound if available and trained; note the time and do not remove it.

02

What to avoid

  • Do not remove an embedded object.
  • Do not repeatedly lift the pad to inspect the wound.
  • Do not use a tourniquet for ordinary bleeding or over a joint/wound.
  • Do not give the person food or drink.

03

When to call 000

  • Severe, spurting or uncontrolled bleeding, an amputation, major trauma or signs of shock requires 000.

04

What to monitor

  • Check consciousness, breathing, pulse and recurrence of bleeding without releasing pressure unnecessarily.

Recognition cues

What you may notice

  • Blood may be flowing heavily, spurting or soaking through dressings quickly.
  • The person may become pale, faint, confused, cold or clammy, with a weak rapid pulse or loss of consciousness.
  • An object may be embedded in the wound or the bleeding may be difficult to see.

Avoid these traps

Common mistakes

  • Lifting the first dressing to inspect the wound repeatedly.
  • Removing an embedded object or pressing directly on top of it.
  • Cleaning or washing a life-threatening bleed before pressure is working.
  • Using a tourniquet for bleeding that direct pressure can control.
Children and babies

Use an appropriately sized pad and the same firm, direct pressure principles for a child, while following the 000 call-taker. Children can deteriorate quickly. Pale or clammy skin, faintness, confusion, unusual sleepiness or breathing changes are emergency signs. Do not remove an embedded object from a child. Support around it with pads and keep the child still and warm.

When help is on the way

Keep the handover useful

  • Keep firm pressure on, keep the person still and warm, and give nothing by mouth while waiting.
  • Tell the ambulance crew how much bleeding you saw, what caused it, what dressings or tourniquet were used and the tourniquet time if applicable.

Practise the pattern

Make it easier to remember

Bleeding pressure timer

Common questions

Quick answers

What if I have no bandage?

Use your hands, a clean cloth or clothing with a barrier if possible and apply firm, direct pressure.

What if blood soaks through?

Keep the first pad in place, add one more pad and a tighter bandage, and make sure the pressure is directly over the bleeding point.

Should I use a tourniquet?

Only for life-threatening bleeding from a limb that direct pressure cannot control, ideally with a manufactured tourniquet and training. Note the time and do not remove it while waiting for specialist care.

What if there is no bandage?

Use your hands, a clean cloth or clothing with a barrier if possible and apply firm, direct pressure. Call 000 for severe or uncontrolled bleeding.

What if the pad becomes soaked?

Keep the first pad in place, add one more pad and a tighter bandage, and check that pressure is directly over the bleeding point.

When should I use a tourniquet?

Only for life-threatening bleeding from a limb that direct pressure cannot control, ideally with a manufactured tourniquet and training. Note the time and do not remove it while waiting for specialist care.

What if something is stuck in the wound?

Do not remove it. Apply pressure on either side, build pads around it and call 000.

What if blood soaks through the dressing?

Keep the first dressing in place, add one more pad and a tighter bandage, and check that the pressure is directly over the bleeding point.

When is a tourniquet appropriate?

Only for life-threatening bleeding from a limb that direct pressure cannot control, ideally with a manufactured tourniquet and training. Note the time and do not remove it while waiting for specialist care.

References and update notesAugust 2026

Added recognition of shock, soaked-dressing and embedded-object exceptions, restricted tourniquet use to uncontrolled life-threatening limb bleeding and added a practical handover prompt.