Packing a Wound

If you have a trauma first aid kit:

For life-threatening bleeding from an arm or leg and a tourniquet is NOT available

OR

For life-threatening bleeding from the knee, shoulder or groin:

  • Pack (stuff) the wound with bleeding control gauze (also called hemostatic gauze), plain gauze, or a clean cloth and then apply pressure with both hands.

Open the clothing over the bleeding wound. Wipe away any pooled blood.

Two gloved hands opening pants over a leg wound.

Pack (stuff) the wound with bleeding control gauze (preferred), plain gauze or clean cloth.

Two gloved hands packing a leg wound with gauze.

Apply steady pressure with both hands directly on top of the bleeding wound. Push down as hard as you can. Continue pressure until relieved by medical responders.

Two gloved hands applying pressure to a wound.