First Aid for Bleeding

by
posted on May 1, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
qa_ah2015_fs.jpg (35)

Q: My friend and I often hunt in remote locations. What should we know, as far as first aid is concerned, about stopping bleeding?

A: Accidents happen in the field; that is just a fact of life. There are certain things you should know in the unfortunate event that you or your hunting partner gets cut, and you are suddenly tasked with stopping bleeding.

Severe Bleeding: Cover the wound with a pad and press hard. Stop the bleeding with a bandage. If the pad becomes soaked, do not remove it. Put another pad on top of the first and continue pressure. Get medical help as quickly as possible.

Arterial Bleeding From Arm: Control it by squeezing the artery with the flat of your fingers against the upper arm bone at a pressure point.

Arterial Bleeding from Leg: Control it by pressing the artery with the heel of your hand against the pelvic bone.

We also recommend taking a first-aid course from a certified instructor before your next hunt. The above information is good knowledge to have, but it does not take the place of professional medical advice or training.

Latest

SHOT LEDE
SHOT LEDE

Wildest Hunting Finds of SHOT 2026

This year's SHOT Show was a reminder that creativity and innovation within the hunting world are alive and well. Here are ten items that caused us to take a double-take whilst walking the show floor.

Hot from SHOT: Best Whitetail Gear for 2026

With the new year comes a wave of newly released hunting gear aimed at giving hunters the edge afield. From cozier tree stands, easy-to-pack bags, feed, blinds, and more, manufacturers have sought every imaginable way to help hunters become more successful on their hunts. Read on as we take a closer look at what caught our eye.

AH Hunts: Late Season Alberta Geese Pt. 2

With some birds on the ground, Jon and Brad take a second to discuss the size of late-season Alberta honkers, before diving into the guns that brought them down. Check out part 2 of Senior Executive Editor Jon Draper and American Hunter contributor Brad Fenson's late-season Alberta honker hunt here.

Hardware Review: Hornady Backcountry Defense

A casual hike, a quick trip to grab firewood or a morning spent chasing trout all carry the potential of encountering a furry threat that might want to remind you that you are no longer at the top of the hierarchy.

Ruger Announces American Rifle Generation II Scout Models

Ruger ups the ante in 2026, delivering a newly crafted Scout rifle under its increasingly popular American Gen II line.

New for 2026: Hawke Optics Vantage IR 1-4x20mm in Mossy Oak Bottomland

Purpose-built to give turkey hunters fast target acquisition, precise shot placement and a camo pattern that blends seamlessly into the Spring woods, Hawke's latest LVPO is designed to impress.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.