Information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice and you always seek appropriate professional help or seek immediate medical attention for serious conditions. See full disclaimer here

🚨 What to Do for Catastrophic Bleeding

Catastrophic bleeding is one of the most serious medical emergencies you can face. It refers to severe, life-threatening bleeding that can quickly lead to shock or death if not controlled. Acting fast — and safely — can save a life.

⚠️ Important First Aid Reminder

If you ever encounter catastrophic bleeding:
Call 999 or 112 immediately.

While waiting for emergency help, take these steps to control the bleeding — but remember, your safety comes first. Only intervene if it’s safe to do so.

Step-by-Step: How to Control Catastrophic Bleeding

1. Call for Help First
   If possible, get someone else to call 999 or 112 while you start first aid. If you’re alone, make the call on speakerphone so you can give details and still use your hands.

2. Expose and Assess the Wound
   Quickly remove or cut away clothing to locate the source of the bleeding. Identify whether the bleeding is spurting (arterial), steady (venous), or oozing (capillary). Catastrophic bleeding is usually fast, heavy, and difficult to stop and bright red.

3. Apply Direct Pressure
   Use a gloved hand or the cleanest available material (such as a sterile dressing, gauze pad, or even clothing if nothing else is available).

   • Press firmly and continuously on the wound.

   • If blood soaks through, push harder

   • If there is an object in the wound such as a knife never remove it, it will be acting as a plug!

4. Consider Haemostatic Dressings
   If trained and available, use a haemostatic dressing (one that promotes clotting) for wounds in areas where a tourniquet can’t be used — such as the shoulder, armpit, or groin.

5. Use of a Tourniquet 
   If direct pressure doesn’t control the bleeding, and it’s from a limb, apply a tourniquet but you need to be trained 

6. Keep the Casualty Still and Calm
   Encourage the casualty to remain as still as possible to slow blood flow. Keep them warm and reassured while waiting for help.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Bleeding

• Severe trauma from accidents or machinery

• Knife or penetrating wounds

• Limb amputation or crushing injuries

• Serious road traffic collisions

• Industrial or agricultural incidents

After the Bleeding Is Slowed

• Continue to monitor breathing and responsiveness.

• Be prepared to start CPR if they become unresponsive and stop breathing.

• Do not remove any objects stuck in the wound — they may be blocking further bleeding.

Learn These Life-Saving Skills

Managing catastrophic bleeding requires confidence and hands-on practice. DAC Education’s Catastrophic Bleeding and Knife Wound Management training teaches:

• Use of tourniquets and haemostatic agents

• Scene safety and casualty management

• Legal and practical considerations for first responders

👉 Book Catastrophic Bleeding Training
(Delivered at our Suffolk HQ or on-site for groups of six or more.)

Disclaimer

This information provides general guidance for first aiders. Always call 999 or 112 in the event of catastrophic bleeding, and seek medical advice for any serious injury. Never delay calling for emergency help.