A severe hand cut needs a proper assessment before you reach for anything. First, determine whether you’re dealing with arterial, venous, or capillary bleeding — if blood is pulsating out, a tourniquet may be needed, particularly if there is a partial or complete amputation. For venous or muscular bleeding without arterial involvement, a trauma bandage applied with firm direct pressure is the right call. Wrap the pad tightly against the injury and check after application to confirm the bleeding is controlled, not just hidden. If bleeding continues through the bandage, it’s either too loose, there’s a wound cavity that needs packing, or you need to escalate to a tourniquet.
Shop bleeding control supplies and kits supplies. We like the Olaes bandage.
