Two clear signs that bleeding is life-threatening:
- Bleeding that is spurting, pulsatile, or won’t stop with direct pressure.
- Signs of shock or severe blood loss (pale or cool skin, rapid or weak pulse, rapid breathing, confusion, fainting, or unconsciousness).
If you encounter either, activate emergency services immediately and apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. If bleeding continues despite pressure, use a tourniquet only if trained to do so and if the wound is on a limb; otherwise, continue direct pressure and seek urgent care.
