When bleeding starts
If you have heavy bleeding that does not stop, call 911 right away. If you are bleeding or bruising more than normal, call your doctor.
Steps to stop the bleeding- Wash your hands well with soap and water, if possible
- Put on medical gloves. If you do not have medical gloves, use clean cloth, plastic bags or any other clean material between your hand and the bleeding site
- Put pressure on the site of bleeding. Elevate the injured area if possible
- Apply firm pressure for 5 minutes and continue applying pressure if it does not stop for up to 10-15 minutes
- If you have a nosebleed, apply the pressure with your fingers below the bridge of your nose. In other words, apply pressure on both sides of the nose. Keep your head raised
Call your doctor if:
- The bleeding does not stop after 10-15 minutes of applying pressure; however, if you are bleeding excessively, call your doctor or 911 immediately
- Blood is in your urine or your urine is dark
- Blood is in your bowel movement, or around your anus (either in your underwear or on toilet paper) or if your bowel movement is black
- Your vision changes
- You have an ongoing headache, blurred vision, or lose focus and concentration easily
- You have a hard time waking up or are sleeping too much
