The body’s cardiovascular system relies on arteries to deliver oxygenated blood to every tissue and organ. Arteries transport blood away from the heart and are under high pressure from the heart’s pumping action. An arterial bleed occurs when one of these vessels is damaged or severed, allowing blood to escape the circulatory system rapidly. This hemorrhage represents the most severe form of bleeding injury and requires immediate attention to prevent complications.
Identifying Arterial Bleeding
Recognizing an arterial bleed starts with observing the color of the blood escaping the wound. Arterial blood is bright red because it has a high concentration of oxygen, distinguishing it from the darker, maroon-colored blood that flows from a damaged vein.
The flow pattern provides the most distinct identification of this injury. Because the blood is under direct pressure from the heart’s contractions, it will emerge from the wound in a rhythmic spurting or pulsing motion. This forceful ejection occurs in sync with the injured person’s heartbeat.
The sheer volume of blood loss is another immediate sign of an arterial injury. Due to the high pressure within the vessel, the blood can be expelled with significant force, sometimes spraying a distance from the wound site. The rapid rate of blood flow makes this injury dangerous and difficult to control without prompt intervention.
Why Arterial Bleeding is a Medical Emergency
The speed at which blood volume is lost is the main danger associated with an arterial bleed. Arterial pressure means a person can lose a life-threatening amount of blood in minutes. This rapid hemorrhage quickly depletes the total circulating volume needed to supply oxygen to the organs.
The average adult has approximately 4.5 to 6 liters of blood circulating throughout their body. Losing just 30% of this volume, or about 1.5 liters, is considered a significant medical event that can lead to systemic failure. This level of loss can occur extremely quickly if a major artery is injured and the bleeding is uncontrolled.
This rapid volume depletion causes a condition known as hypovolemic shock, a state where the circulatory system fails due to insufficient blood volume and pressure. When this occurs, the body cannot adequately pump blood to meet the demands of organs, such as the brain and heart. Without swift intervention to stop the bleeding and restore volume, the lack of oxygen delivery to tissues can result in organ damage and death.
Immediate First Aid Response
The first step in managing an arterial bleed is to immediately contact emergency services, such as 911. While waiting for professional help to arrive, controlling the blood loss requires focused action. The most effective initial step is the immediate application of firm, direct pressure to the wound site.
Use the palm of your hand, a clean cloth, or a sterile gauze pad to press down directly onto the injury. The goal is to apply enough force to compress the damaged artery against the underlying tissue or bone, which helps slow the flow and encourages clotting. Maintaining this continuous pressure is more effective than intermittent checks.
If the initial material becomes saturated with blood, do not remove it, as this may disrupt clot formation. Instead, add more layers of gauze or cloth directly on top of the soaked material and continue to press firmly. If the injury is on a limb and a break is not suspected, raising the wound above the level of the heart can help reduce blood flow, though direct pressure remains paramount.
If the bleeding is on a limb and cannot be controlled with direct pressure, a commercial tourniquet should be applied as a last resort. The tourniquet must be placed approximately two to three inches above the wound, but never directly over a joint. It should be tightened until the bleeding stops completely, which will likely be painful for the injured person.
Once the tourniquet is applied, note the exact time of application and communicate this information to the arriving medical personnel. Do not attempt to loosen or remove the tourniquet once it is in place, as this can cause sudden re-bleeding. A tourniquet is a temporary measure designed to save a life until advanced medical care can be provided.