⚠️ MedDeck is an educational and reference tool for seafarers. It does not replace professional medical advice, TMAS, a company doctor, or emergency services. In an emergency, seek appropriate medical assistance and follow your vessel's procedures.
🚨 Need urgent help?
What should I do first?MED-003
Bleeding and Bleeding Control
Knowledge about bleeding severity — emergency procedures are separate.
What should I do now?
- For minor bleeding, apply direct pressure with clean material if trained
- Obtain help for heavier bleeding
- Use 🚨 WHAT SHOULD I DO FIRST? — Severe bleeding (EM-004) when bleeding may be life-threatening
What is it?
- Bleeding is blood loss from the body; severity ranges from minor oozing to life-threatening loss
Why it matters onboard
- Industrial and mooring work can cause significant trauma
- Early recognition of serious bleeding saves time when contacting assistance
Common signs / things you may notice
- Steady oozing versus rapid flow; blood soaking through dressings; pallor or weakness in serious cases
Common contributing factors
- Sharp equipment, falls, crush injuries, and moving machinery
Prevention / risk reduction
- Safe work practices and PPE
- Know location of first-aid and bleeding-control supplies where carried on your vessel
When should I seek medical assistance?
- Immediately escalate uncontrolled or heavy bleeding
- Seek appropriate medical assistance if symptoms are severe, worsening, persistent, unusual, or associated with concerning signs
- Contact your vessel's designated medical assistance/TMAS service according to vessel procedures
What information should I prepare?
- When symptoms began and how they have changed
- Relevant injury, exposure, heat, cold, or motion if applicable
- Other symptoms present at the same time
- Actions taken so far and current overall condition
- Relevant medical history volunteered by the person
Related symptoms
Related emergency pathways
Related learning
Important safety note
- This is practical reference information — not a substitute for professional medical advice
- Many conditions can look similar; professional assessment may be needed
- This topic does not replace the severe bleeding emergency pathway
⚠️ MedDeck is an educational and reference tool for seafarers. It does not replace professional medical advice, TMAS, a company doctor, or emergency services. In an emergency, seek appropriate medical assistance and follow your vessel's procedures.
MEDDECK
Before you continue
⚠️ MedDeck is an educational and reference tool for seafarers. It does not replace professional medical advice, TMAS, a company doctor, or emergency services. In an emergency, seek appropriate medical assistance and follow your vessel's procedures.