Life-threatening bleeding is characterized by which of the following?

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Prepare for The American Red Cross CPR Test. Engage with interactive flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations, to ensure readiness for your certification!

Life-threatening bleeding is characterized by specific types of blood flow that indicate the severity of the injury. When blood is spurting, it typically suggests that an artery has been damaged, leading to a rhythmic and forceful ejection of blood with each heartbeat. This type of bleeding is particularly urgent as it can lead to rapid blood loss and requires immediate attention.

Flowing continuously, on the other hand, indicates that blood is steadily leaking from a wound, which can also be serious, especially if it involves a major blood vessel. Continuous flow does not have the same intensity as spurting but can still result in significant blood loss over time.

Together, both the spurting and continuous flow suggest that the bleeding is life-threatening and points to the need for urgent medical intervention to control the bleeding and prevent shock or death.