Bleeding can occur for many reasons, including falls, impacts, and workplace accidents. If you suspect someone is bleeding at work, you need to inspect the injury and keep the person calm. If you notice extensive bleeding, get the person to apply direct pressure to the area with their hand or hands. If the person can’t perform this action, apply direct pressure yourself. This helps to stem the flow of blood, which is absolutely critical.

Along with applying direct pressure to the cut, follow-up actions are needed to manage the bleeding until emergency services arrive. You should raise the injured limb above the level of the heart and maintain pressure using pads and bandages. If the affected area is large, you may need to pull the edges together before applying a dressing.

If the person is awake, follow these steps:

• Rest and reassure
• Apply pressure
• Elevate
• Bandage the affected area
• Stay with the person

Along with applying first aid, you need to call Triple Zero (000) if the situation is life-threatening. If you’re busy performing first aid, direct someone else on-site to make this call. Follow the DRSABCD Action Plan until help arrives.