Stop Bleeding

1. Uncover the wound unless clothing is stuck to the wound or in a chemical environment.

2. Apply the casualty's field dressing.

3. Apply manual pressure and elevate the arm or leg to reduce bleeding, if necessary.
a. Apply firm manual pressure over the dressing for 5 to 10 minutes.
b. Elevate the injured part above the level of the heart unless a fracture is suspected and has not been splinted.

4. Apply a pressure dressing if the bleeding continues.
a. Keep the arm or leg elevated.
b. Place a wad of padding directly over the wound.
c. Place an improvised dressing over the wad of padding and wrap it tightly around the limb.
d. Tie the ends in a nonslip knot directly over the wound.
e. Check the dressing to make sure it does not have a tourniquet-like effect.

5. Apply a tourniquet.