Procedure
- Immediately elevate the wound above the level of the heart, and avoid any unnecessary muscle activity.
- Interrupt the blood supply to the ruptured artery by exerting pressure on the artery proximal to wound site.
- Once the bleeding has been stopped by exerting pressure on the supply artery, apply a compression bandage.
- Stop applying pressure to the supply artery after the compression bandage has been applied.
- Transport the victim to the hospital as quickly as possible.
If it is not possible to close the artery by applying pressure at a site proximal to the wound, the bleeding must be stopped by compressing the damaged artery inside the wound until treatment of the victim can be taken over in the clinic.