The two ways to tell if bleeding is life-threatening are to check if it is spurting or pulsating blood or steady slow flow blood and whether it is bright red color or dark red color blood.
The purting or pulsating blood is usually bright red in color. It can be life-threatening. The steady slow flow blood is usually dark red in color. It can be potentially life-threatening.
In cases of severe bleeding, direct pressure should be applied immediately to the wound with any clean material which is available at the time. Pressure should be continued until the bleeding is controlled. The wound above the affected person's heart should be elevated. The person should be lying down with the legs elevated.
