Get Help for Heavy Bleeding

Heavy bleeding includes severe external or internal bleeding. Scalp and hand wounds often bleed heavily due to the number of blood vessels close to the skin in these areas. Wounds close to large veins and arteries can cause heavy internal bleeding, which is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 or seek emergency care to stop rapid blood loss and prevent infection.

Dignity Health is here to help, 24/7, offering care to treat heavy bleeding in the Bay Area quickly and efficiently.

What Causes Heavy Bleeding?

Heavy bleeding is usually caused by penetrating, crush, or blunt trauma. This includes deep cuts, punctures, fractures, and tears in tissues. 

Symptoms of Heavy Bleeding Treated at Dignity Health

Heavy bleeding symptoms depend on whether the bleeding is external (outside the body) or internal (inside the body). While heavy external bleeding is obvious, internal bleeding may not be. Signs of heavy internal bleeding include:

  • Bleeding from a body opening, such as the mouth, ear, or anus
  • Cold, clammy skin
  • Coughing up blood or vomiting blood
  • Loss of consciousness, lightheadedness, or weakness
  • Shock
  • Swollen or painful abdomen

Call 9-1-1 if you can’t stop external bleeding or if you suspect internal bleeding. 

First Aid & Heavy Bleeding Treatment 

For external bleeding, do not remove any object embedded in the wound. You can brush away any loose debris. Apply pressure with a sterile bandage or clean cloth. Press firmly and maintain constant pressure. Do not apply pressure to head wounds if the skull could be fractured, there is an embedded object, or the wound affects the eyes. Seek medical treatment for heavy external bleeding that does not stop after five minutes of constant pressure. 

Call 9-1-1 immediately for internal bleeding and wounds from severe trauma, such as car accident injuries. Medical care is necessary to stop internal bleeding. In the meantime, help the person lie down and elevate the legs, apply direct pressure to the wound, and cover with a jacket or blanket. 

Trust our emergency doctors and staff to quickly address your heavy bleeding in an emergency and provide personal care. 

Dignity Health provides emergency care for heavy bleeding in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Redwood City.