St John Ambulance East of England has teamed up with The Times to give some simple but life saving first aid tips. This week: bleeding.

Any break in the skin's surface not only allows blood and other fluids to be lost, but also allows germs to enter the body. With minor wounds, the first aider's aim is to prevent infection.

For minor bleeds: • Wash and dry your own hands

• Cover cuts on your own hands and put on disposable gloves

• Clean the cut, if dirty, under running water and pat dry with a sterile dressing or clean, lint-free material

• If possible, raise the affected area above the heart

• Cover the cut temporarily while cleaning the surrounding skin with soap and water and patting dry

• Cover the cut completely with a sterile dressing or plaster.

Severe wounds may be daunting but it's essential to prevent further blood loss and minimise the shock that could result from the bleeding: • Wash and dry your own hands

• Cover cuts on your own hands and put on disposable gloves

• Remove or cut clothing as necessary to expose the wound

• Apply direct pressure over the wound with a sterile dressing or clean, lint-free material

• If there's an object in the wound, apply pressure on either side of the object

• Maintain direct pressure on the wound, raising the injured limb above the level of the casualty’s heart to reduce blood loss

• Help the casualty lie down to help prevent shock

• Bandage the pad or dressing firmly but not tight enough to restrict circulation

• If bleeding seeps through, apply a second bandage

• If bleeding continues to seep through, remove both dressings and start again, maintaining pressure on the wound

• Raise the casualty’s legs above the level of the heart to further prevent shock

• Call 999/112. Record vital signs, level of response, breathing and pulse until help arrives.

Open wounds risk becoming infected, so good hygiene procedures are important to prevent cross infection between yourself and the casualty.