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How to Control Bleeding

By Rod Brouhard, About.com

Updated October 29, 2008

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Elevate Above the Heart

Elevate the wound to slow blood flow

© Rod Brouhard
Gravity makes blood flow down easier than it flows up. If you hold one hand above your head and the other at your side, the lower hand will be red while the higher one is pale.

Step two to control bleeding uses this principle. Elevate the wound above the heart. By elevating the wound, you slow the flow of blood. As the blood slows, it becomes easier to stop it with direct pressure. Remember, it must be above the heart and you must keep direct pressure on it.

Once bleeding is controlled, take steps to treat the victim for shock.

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