Getting Medical Help for Heavy Bleeding

A deep cut on a finger that occurs while chopping vegetables for dinner or following a more serious trauma can lead to heavy bleeding. Other, less visible wounds can cause internal bleeding and require emergency care. Call 911 if you think you are bleeding internally or if you can’t stop external bleeding.

At Dignity Health St. John's, our experts provide personalized, caring treatment, even in emergency situations.

 

Get Emergency Care to Stop Bleeding at Dignity Health St. John's

Some areas of your body tend to bleed more than others. Head injuries and hand wounds cause excessive bleeding since many blood vessels lie right under your skin’s surface. Injuries involving your large veins and arteries also bleed a lot.

The sign of external bleeding is, of course, lots of blood. External injuries are far more difficult to detect. Emergency doctors at Dignity Health Central Coast advise you to call 911 for emergency care if these symptoms appear:

  • Swollen or painful abdomen
  • Coughing or vomiting blood
  • Clammy, cold skin
  • Bleeding from your ear, mouth, or anus
  • Lightheadedness, weakness, or unconscious

Your health and well-being remains our focus throughout any emergency condition. Our emergency care team follows a philosophy of care, dignity, and respect when providing treatment for you.

 

What to Do for Excessive Bleeding

Not sure when to go to the ER? Most heavy bleeding is the result of a crush, blunt, or penetrating trauma. Medical attention for heavy bleeding most often requires immediate medical attention.

Until you receive medical care for external bleeding, brush away any loose debris, but do not remove any objects in the wound. Help slow the bleeding by placing a clean cloth and putting pressure on the wound. Do not place any pressure on the eyes or an object in the wound if you suspect a skull fracture. 

Internal bleeding requires professional medical care at one of our Dignity Health St. John's Hospitals. You can help the person lie down, apply direct pressure to wound, raise their legs, and keep them warm with a jacket or blanket until the arrival of medical personnel.

After emergency treatment, Find a Doctor at Dignity Health St. John's to any follow-up wound care.