What is the first thing you do to a wound that is bleeding profusely?

The first thing to do to a wound that is bleeding profusely is apply direct pressure. Press firmly on the wound with sterile gauze, a clean cloth, or another available barrier, and keep pressure continuous while emergency medical help is summoned.

Direct pressure works by compressing damaged blood vessels and helping a clot form. If blood soaks through the dressing, place additional material on top rather than removing the original layer, since lifting it can disturb the developing clot. If possible, wear disposable gloves or use a plastic barrier to reduce contact with blood.

A severely bleeding person should be treated as an emergency. Call local emergency services, keep applying pressure, and monitor breathing and responsiveness. For life-threatening bleeding from an arm or leg that cannot be controlled with pressure, a properly applied commercial tourniquet may be needed by someone trained to use one.

Do not remove an object deeply embedded in the wound; apply pressure around it and stabilize it with padding. Elevating the injury was once routinely advised, but direct pressure is the central first-aid measure for uncontrolled external bleeding.