First Aid

1. Lay the victim flat on his back. Raise the victim's feet several inches. If possible, elevate the wound above heart level.
   
2. Check the victim's ABCs. If the victim is not breathing or does not have a pulse or heartbeat, begin CPR.
   
3. Remove any visible objects from the wound. CAUTION: Do not remove any object or pull on any clothing that is stuck in the wound. Do not probe the wound or disturb it in any way.
   
4. Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or your hand. If blood seeps through the cloth, do not remove it; put another cloth on top and keep pressing. If blood continues to seep through, you may need to apply firmer pressure. For an embedded object, put pressure around the wound, not on the object.

   Illustration: Applying Direct Pressure
   

5. If the bleeding does not stop, apply pressure to an arterial pressure point. Keep direct pressure on the wound as you press the arterial point. Do not apply pressure to arteries leading to the head or neck unless bright red blood is spurting from an injured neck artery.

   Illustration: Arterial Pressure Points
   

6. When the bleeding stops, apply a bandage. Do not remove any cloths placed on the wound to help stop the bleeding; instead, place a clean cloth over these. If there is an object embedded in the wound, wrap the bandage around it to support it and prevent further damage.

   Illustration: Bandaging a Wound
   

7. Keep the victim calm and still.

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