Stop the bleeding. Cover the wound with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. Press on it firmly with the palm of your hand until bleeding stops. Wrap the wound with a thick bandage or clean cloth and tape. Lift the wound above heart level if possible. Help the injured person lie down.

1. Stop Bleeding Apply direct pressure on the cut or wound with a clean cloth, tissue, or piece of gauze until bleeding stops. If blood soaks through the material, don’t remove it. Put more cloth or gauze on top of it and continue to apply pressure. If the wound is on the arm or leg, raise limb above the heart, if possible, to help slow bleeding.

Help the person to remain calm. If the cut is large or bleeding heavily, have them lie down. If the wound is on an arm or leg, raise the limb above the heart to slow bleeding. Remove obvious debris from the wound, such as sticks or grass. If the cut is small, wash it out with soap and water.

STEP 1: Find the source(s) of bleeding. STEP 2: If you have something to put in between the blood and your hands, use it. (Examples: gloves, a cloth, a plastic bag, etc.) STEP 3: Apply firm, steady pressure directly on the source of the bleeding. Push hard to stop or slow bleeding – even if it is painful to the injured!