arterial bleeding


ar·te·ri·al bleed·ing

(ahr-terē-ăl blēding) Loss of blood from a vessel that is carrying oxygenated blood away from the heart.

arterial bleeding

Bleeding in spurts of bright red blood from an artery.

Emergency Care

Arterial bleeding may be controlled by applying pressure with the fingers at the nearest pressure point between it and the heart. The artery is located and digital pressure is applied above it until bleeding stops or until the artery is ligated or repaired. When a pressure point is ineffective in controlling arterial bleeding on an extremity, a tourniquet may be needed. See: table

See also: bleeding