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What to do if…
a deep cut is bleeding heavily and will not stop

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Call 999 now and ask for an ambulance. Press firmly and continuously on the cut with a sterile dressing or clean, folded cloth; if something is embedded, leave it in and press around it instead. Keep applying pressure until emergency help arrives or the 999 call handler tells you otherwise.

Do not do these things

  • Do not wash or disinfect the wound while it is bleeding heavily.
  • Do not pull out glass or any other object embedded in the cut.
  • Do not repeatedly lift the dressing to inspect the wound.
  • Do not stop direct pressure to look for or improvise a tourniquet.
  • Do not use an improvised tourniquet unless the 999 call handler directs you.
  • Do not drive yourself to A&E.
  • Do not eat or drink while waiting for emergency help.

What to do now

  1. Call 999 immediately and say that a deep cut is bleeding heavily and will not stop. Put the phone on speaker if you are alone so you can keep treating the wound.
  2. Press a sterile dressing or clean, folded, non-fluffy cloth firmly onto the source of the bleeding. Use whatever suitable material is available rather than delaying pressure.
  3. If an object is stuck in the cut, do not remove it or press directly on it. Press firmly on either side of the object.
  4. Maintain steady pressure without pausing to inspect the cut. If blood comes through the dressing, keep pressing and place another clean pad or folded cloth over it.
  5. Lie down if it is safe and your injuries allow. Keep warm with a coat or blanket and avoid unnecessary movement.
  6. If another person is present, ask them to unlock the door, meet the ambulance, secure pets, and collect any medicines you take. Keep pressure on the wound while they do this.
  7. If the injured person becomes unresponsive or is not breathing normally, update 999 immediately and follow the call handler’s instructions.

What can wait

Cleaning the cut, deciding whether it needs stitches, staples, strips or glue, checking tetanus vaccination, replacing damaged clothing, and cleaning up blood can wait. You do not need to decide how the wound should be treated before emergency help takes over.

Important reassurance

Heavy bleeding can look frightening, but the useful actions are simple: call 999, press firmly, and keep pressing. You do not need to measure the cut, judge how much blood has been lost, or choose the medical treatment yourself.

Scope note

This guide covers only the immediate steps while emergency help is being arranged. Examination, wound closure, infection prevention, and later care need to be decided by healthcare professionals.

Important note

This is general first-aid information, not a substitute for medical assessment. A deep cut with heavy bleeding that will not stop needs emergency help in the UK; follow the 999 call handler’s instructions if they differ from this page.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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