You arrive at the scene of a crash where someone is bleeding heavily from a wound in their arm. Nothing is embedded in the wound. What could you do to help?

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Follow these first aid procedures for severe bleeding.

- If the wound is deep or you are unsure of its severity, call 911 or your local emergency number. Move the injured individual only if it is necessary to prevent further injury.

- Put on disposable gloves and any other available personal protective equipment before looking for the wound's source.

- Clear the wound of any debris or clothing. Look for the bleeding's source. There might be several wounds. Don't attempt to clean the wound; instead, remove any obvious debris. Don't probe the wound or remove large or deeply attached objects.

- Use sterile gauze or a clean cloth to cover the wound. Until the bleeding stops, apply pressure to it firmly with the palm of your hand. However, don't press an embedded object or an eye injury. Don't press on a head wound if you think there may be a fractured skull.

- Apply a thick bandage or clean cloth and tape to the wound. If possible, lift the wound above heart level.

Help the injured person lie down. To prevent the person from losing body heat, if possible, place them down on a rug or blanket. If you notice symptoms of shock, such as weakness, clammy skin, or a rapid heartbeat, elevate the feet. Reassure the victim calmly.

- Add more bandages if necessary. Add extra gauze or cloth on top of the existing bandage if blood leaks through it. Then continue to apply pressure firmly to the area.

- A tourniquet can stop potentially fatal bleeding coming from a limb. If a commercial tourniquet is available and you are trained to use it, use it. Never use a belt or scarf as a makeshift tourniquet. Tell the emergency personnel how long the tourniquet has been in place when they arrive.

- Hold the person still. As you wait for emergency assistance, make an effort to prevent the injured individual from moving.

- Get the injured person to a hospital emergency room as soon as you can if you haven't called for emergency help.

- Even if it doesn't appear that any blood got on your hands when helping the injured individual, wash your hands afterwards.