Pressure Points

Pressure pushing down on me pressing down on you. - Queen

Pressure Points


Pressure points are areas of the body where blood vessels run close to the surface. By pressing on these blood vessels, blood flow further away will be slowed, allowing direct pressure to stop bleeding.


There are significant risks involved in performing pressure point constriction, most protocols give a maximum time for constriction (often around 10 minutes).


Common pressure points:


  • Arm between shoulder and elbow - brachial artery
  • Groin area along bikini line - femoral artery
  • Behind the knee - popliteal artery

Remember to keep the wound elevated above the heart if possible and keep pressure directly on the wound. When using pressure points, make sure you are pressing on a point closer to the heart than the wound.

Canebrake13