For a medical emergency call 999. For urgent but non-emergency medical help call NHS 111.

Bleeding

Bleeding covers everything from a small cut you can manage at home to heavy blood loss that needs emergency care. This page covers the common types and what to do in each case. If you cannot stop severe bleeding, or someone is losing a lot of blood, treat it as an emergency straight away.

Looking after yourself

  • Cuts and grazes: press a clean cloth on the wound for at least ten minutes, rinse under running water, dry and cover with a plaster or dressing
  • Nosebleeds: sit upright, pinch the soft part of the nose for ten minutes and lean slightly forward — do not lie back
  • Rectal bleeding: a small amount of bright red blood on wiping is often from a piece or a small tear. Speak to your GP so it can be checked properly
  • Vaginal bleeding: unexpected bleeding between periods, after sex or after the menopause should always be checked by a GP

When to get medical help

Use NHS 111 online, call 111, or contact your GP if:

  • Bleeding has not stopped after 15 minutes of firm pressure
  • You are on an anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medicine
  • You are bleeding from the back passage, in your urine, or coughing up blood
  • You have unexplained vaginal bleeding after the menopause
  • A cut is deep, dirty, has something stuck in it, or was caused by an animal or human bite

Call 999 or go to A&E if the bleeding is severe and will not stop with pressure, blood is spurting, or the person is pale, cold, drowsy or feels faint. Lay them down, raise the bleeding part above the heart if you can, and keep pressing until help arrives.

Further information

This page provides general information only. It is not a diagnosis and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.