Lesson 27: Bleeding and Priorities
🎬 Watch the Lesson Video
📘 Lesson Summary
Bleeding can range from minor cuts to severe, life-threatening emergencies. In some cases, heavy bleeding can lead to shock or death within minutes if not treated quickly.
In this lesson, you will learn how to recognise different types of bleeding and understand which situations require immediate action.
⭐ Types of Bleeding
🟢 Capillary Bleeding
- From small vessels near the surface
- Slow, oozing blood
- Usually easy to control
🔵 Venous Bleeding
- From veins
- Steady flow of dark red blood
- Can be serious if not controlled
🔴 Arterial Bleeding
- From arteries
- Bright red blood that spurts or pulses
- Life-threatening — requires urgent action
Bleeding can be:
- External bleeding – blood that is visible coming from a wound
- Internal bleeding – bleeding inside the body, which may not always be visible
Internal bleeding can be serious and may show as:
- Pain or tenderness
- Swelling or bruising
- Pale, clammy skin
- Weakness or dizziness
If internal bleeding is suspected, seek emergency help immediately.
🚨 Life-Threatening Bleeding
Some bleeding is severe and requires immediate action.
Life-threatening bleeding may:
- Be heavy and difficult to control
- Soak through dressings quickly
- Be continuous or spurting
This is known as catastrophic bleeding and must be treated immediately.
👉 Apply firm direct pressure and ensure 999 / 112 is called as soon as possible.
⚠️ Priorities in Bleeding
When dealing with bleeding, always prioritise:
- Your safety and the safety of others
- Stopping severe bleeding quickly
- Calling for emergency help if needed
Acting quickly can prevent the casualty’s condition from becoming life-threatening.
🧩 Activity — Is It Serious?
Read each scenario and decide whether the bleeding is minor or life-threatening.
💡 Key Takeaways
- Bleeding can be minor or life-threatening
- External bleeding is visible, internal bleeding may not be
- Severe bleeding must be controlled immediately
- Always prioritise safety and early action
- Call 999 / 112 for serious bleeding