External bleeding, through a cut, abrasion or something more severe like an amputation, needs to be controlled to minimise blood loss. In an outdoor activity, this can involve improvising, although a well planned first aid kit should contain enough bandages and other equipment to prevent bleeding.
The acronym P.E.R is often used when thinking of stopping bleeding.
Pressure- Applying pressure to the wound is important to slow the rate of bleeding. This is important as it can act to slow down blood flow through the walls of the vein, or in more serious cases, an artery. Pressure needs to be maintained until after the bleeding has stopped. If a bandage or pressure pad is filling with blood, add another one over the top, rather than remove the bandage.
In more severe bleeds, the responder may need to pull the edges of the wound together before applying pressure to enable the wound to start the process of coagulating.
In extreme arterial bleeds, such as in a shark attack, a torniquet can be used to apply pressure. This can be lifesaving. However, it is important to realise that the although the patient may live, it can result in amputation of the affected limb due to the restriction of the blood flow to that part of the body.
Elevation- Raising a limb above the level of the heart is another strategy to reduce the rate of blood flow to the wound. Have the patient lay down, raise the injured part of the body and continue to apply pressure.
Rest and reassure- Have the patient remain in the one spot, attempting to calm the patient down. Minimising the heart rate of a patient will slow the blood flow. Another suggestion to do this include ensuring the patient has shade. Continue to reassure the patient.