What is severe bleeding and shock all about?
Severe bleeding, also called a haemorrhage, occurs when a person loses blood quickly from a damaged blood vessel. The loss may be external and visible, or internal and hidden.
Shock can develop when the circulatory system cannot deliver enough blood and oxygen to the body’s vital organs. Severe blood loss is one possible cause. Shock is life-threatening and requires urgent medical attention.
In an Albury Wodonga workplace, a serious injury may involve machinery, power tools, sharp materials, falls, vehicles or construction equipment. Your response must be immediate and organised.
Use the DRSABCD approach:
- Danger: Check that the area is safe before approaching.
- Response: Check whether the casualty responds to you.
- Send for help: Call Triple Zero (000), or direct someone else to call.
- Airway: Check and open the airway.
- Breathing: Check for normal breathing.
- CPR: Start CPR if the person is not breathing normally.
- Defibrillation: Use an AED as soon as one is available.
If severe bleeding is obvious, controlling the bleeding and calling Triple Zero (000) are urgent priorities.
Recognise severe bleeding
Treat bleeding as severe and life-threatening when it is heavy, persistent or associated with signs of shock.
Look for:
- Blood flowing continuously or rapidly.
- Blood spurting or pulsing from a wound.
- Blood soaking through dressings quickly.
- A deep wound, partial amputation or traumatic injury.
- Bleeding that does not stop with firm direct pressure.
- Pale, cool, clammy or sweaty skin.
- A rapid, weak pulse.
- Rapid or shallow breathing.
- Thirst, nausea, dizziness or faintness.
- Restlessness, confusion, drowsiness or loss of consciousness.
Remember that serious internal bleeding may not be visible. A casualty can develop shock after a crush injury, fall or blow to the chest or abdomen without an obvious external wound.
How to control severe bleeding
Follow these steps while waiting for paramedics.
1. Check the scene and use protective equipment
Remove hazards if you can do so safely. Ask bystanders to keep clear. Put on disposable gloves from the workplace first aid kit if available.
If gloves are not available, use a clean barrier. Do not delay essential first aid while searching for equipment.
2. Call Triple Zero (000)
Send a specific person to call Triple Zero (000). Tell them:
- The workplace address and access point.
- What happened.
- The number of casualties.
- Whether the person is conscious and breathing.
- The type and location of bleeding.
- Any hazards affecting the scene.
Ask someone to meet the ambulance at the entrance. Keep the phone on speaker if possible so the emergency operator can provide instructions.
3. Apply firm, direct pressure
Lay the casualty down if it is safe to do so. Expose the wound by cutting clothing if necessary.
Apply firm, direct and continuous pressure over the wound using:
- A sterile dressing.
- A clean pad.
- A folded cloth.
- Your gloved hand if no other material is available.
Maintain pressure. Do not repeatedly lift the dressing to check whether the bleeding has stopped. This can disturb clot formation.
Ask the casualty or a bystander to maintain pressure if you need to make the emergency call or collect equipment.
4. Add dressings without removing the first one
If blood soaks through the original dressing, do not remove it. Place another pad over the top and continue applying firm pressure.
When the bleeding is controlled, secure the dressing with a firm bandage. Monitor the wound for renewed bleeding.
If an object is embedded in the wound, do not remove it. Apply pressure around the object and place padding around it before bandaging.
Wound packing and haemostatic dressings
Some deep wounds cannot be controlled with a dressing placed over the surface. Wound packing may be needed for a deep injury, particularly at the groin, armpit or another area where a tourniquet cannot be applied.
Only pack a wound if:
- The bleeding is severe and life-threatening.
- Direct pressure alone has not controlled it.
- Suitable equipment is available.
- You have been trained to use the equipment.
Use a haemostatic dressing if one is available and included in your workplace bleeding-control plan. Insert or place it in the wound as directed by your training and the product instructions. Then apply firm, continuous pressure.
Do not improvise deep wound packing with loose materials such as tissues or cotton wool. These materials can break apart and leave fibres in the wound.
Tourniquet use as a last resort
A tourniquet may be required for life-threatening bleeding from a limb when firm, direct pressure and dressings have not controlled the bleeding.
A tourniquet should not be used for minor bleeding. It should be applied by a person who has received suitable training and has access to an appropriate device.
General principles include:
- Use a commercial arterial tourniquet where available.
- Place it above the wound and not directly over a joint.
- Tighten it until the bleeding stops.
- Expect the casualty to experience significant pain.
- Record the application time.
- Do not loosen or remove it once applied.
- Tell paramedics that a tourniquet has been used.
Workplaces such as construction sites, manufacturing facilities, farms and remote worksites should assess whether tourniquets and haemostatic dressings are appropriate for their hazards, workforce and emergency response arrangements.
Your workplace procedure must be consistent with current first aid guidance and the organisation’s risk assessment. Read the St John Ambulance Australia severe bleeding guidance and seek professional training before adding advanced bleeding-control equipment to your first aid response plan.
Recognise and manage shock
Shock can worsen even after external bleeding appears to have slowed. Continue to observe the casualty while waiting for emergency services.
Signs may include:
- Pale, cool, clammy or sweaty skin.
- A rapid, weak pulse.
- Rapid, shallow or gasping breathing.
- Thirst.
- Nausea.
- Restlessness or anxiety.
- Dizziness or faintness.
- Confusion, drowsiness or reduced responsiveness.
- Loss of consciousness.
Manage shock by following these steps:
- Keep the casualty lying down and as still as possible.
- Continue applying pressure to the wound.
- Keep the casualty warm with a blanket, jacket or other suitable covering.
- Protect the person from cold floors, wind and wet conditions.
- Do not give food, drink or medication.
- Reassure the casualty and explain what you are doing.
- Monitor responsiveness and breathing regularly.
- Follow instructions from the Triple Zero (000) operator.
- Be prepared to start CPR if the casualty stops breathing normally.
If the casualty becomes unconscious but is breathing normally, position them according to your training and the advice of the emergency operator. Take care if there may be a spinal, pelvic or major limb injury. Do not move the casualty unnecessarily unless the scene becomes unsafe.
Why hands-on practice matters
Severe bleeding is difficult to manage if you have only read about it. You must practise applying pressure, holding a dressing in place, bandaging firmly and communicating with emergency services.
Hands-on training helps you learn how to:
- Locate and use workplace first aid equipment.
- Put on gloves quickly.
- Apply direct pressure without hesitation.
- Pack a simulated wound correctly when appropriate.
- Use a tourniquet only when required and trained to do so.
- Recognise the physical signs of shock.
- Position and monitor a casualty.
- Work with other staff during a workplace emergency.
- Give clear information to Triple Zero (000) and paramedics.
The current HLTAID011 Provide First Aid unit includes first aid responses for life-threatening bleeding and shock. It also requires realistic simulated assessment conditions and practical demonstration of first aid skills.
Yatson Training provides professional, hands-on First Aid training for corporate clients, small groups and individuals across Albury Wodonga. Lead trainer Jackie Hislop is a Registered Nurse. Her clinical experience supports training that is practical, clear and relevant to real workplace conditions.
Training is designed to exceed standard compliance requirements. You receive support from your initial enquiry through to practical assessment and final certification.
Workplace preparation for severe bleeding
Review your workplace arrangements before an incident occurs.
- Complete a first aid needs assessment.
- Identify hazards that may cause severe bleeding.
- Keep first aid kits accessible and clearly signposted.
- Check dressings, gloves, bandages and other supplies regularly.
- Consider additional bleeding-control equipment for higher-risk workplaces.
- Display the workplace address and emergency access instructions.
- Ensure workers know who the trained first aiders are.
- Practise contacting Triple Zero (000).
- Include bleeding and shock scenarios in emergency drills.
- Review the response after an incident.
Safe Work Australia provides a Code of Practice for First Aid in the Workplace. Use it with your state or territory requirements and your organisation’s own risk controls.
Our recommendation
Do not rely on a first aid kit alone. Equipment only helps when people know how to use it.
Book professional training that gives your team time to practise severe bleeding, shock, CPR, AED use and other workplace emergencies. Choose scenarios that reflect your actual work environment, whether you operate an office, warehouse, construction site, factory, school or community organisation.
Yatson Training offers flexible delivery for corporate groups, small groups and individuals. You can discuss your workplace hazards, training numbers and certification needs through yatsontraining.com.au or the Yatson Training courses page.
Frequently asked questions
When should I call Triple Zero (000) for bleeding?
Call Triple Zero (000) immediately when bleeding is severe, persistent, associated with shock, caused by major trauma or cannot be controlled with firm direct pressure.
Should I remove a blood-soaked dressing?
No. Leave the original dressing in place. Add another pad over the top and continue applying firm pressure.
Is a tourniquet suitable for every workplace?
No. A tourniquet is intended for life-threatening limb bleeding that has not been controlled by direct pressure and dressings. Workplace use should be based on risk assessment, suitable equipment and hands-on training.
Why is first aid training cost-effective?
Prompt first aid can reduce the consequences of an incident while professional medical help is on the way. Training also helps your workplace meet its first aid responsibilities, build staff confidence and reduce confusion during an emergency.
Which course should my team choose?
Many workplaces require HLTAID011 Provide First Aid. Education and childcare workers may need the Childcare First Aid course HLTAID012. Yatson Training can help you identify the most appropriate course for your workplace.
Book your workplace First Aid training
Prepare your Albury Wodonga team before an emergency occurs.
For all your First Aid training needs, telephone Yatson Training on 0450 533 179. Yatson Training provides engaging, practical training for workplace teams, corporate clients, small groups and individuals.
Visit yatsontraining.com.au to enquire about Corporate First Aid training, Workplace First Aid certification, HLTAID011 Provide First Aid, or opportunities to Learn CPR in Albury / Wodonga.
Connect with Yatson Training on Facebook and Instagram for course updates and workplace safety information.
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