If the leak is in the shoulder or armpit, apply pressure as in figure [3].
Fig. 3.
The reason for this is that at the places indicated the arteries may be pressed against a bone more easily than at any other places.
Another way of applying pressure (by means of a tourniquet) is shown in figure [4]. Place a pad of tightly rolled cloth or paper, or any suitable object, over the artery. Tie a bandage loosely about the limb and then insert your bayonet, or a stick, and twist up the bandage until the pressure of the pad on the artery stops the leak. Twist the bandage slowly and stop as soon as the blood ceases to flow, in order not to bruise the flesh or muscles unnecessarily.
Fig. 4.—Improvised tourniquet.
A tourniquet may cause pain and swelling of the limb, and if left on too long may cause the limb to die. Therefore, about every half hour or so loosen the bandage very carefully, but if the bleeding continues pressure must be applied again. In this case apply the pressure with the thumb for five or ten minutes, as this cuts off only the main artery and leaves some of the smaller arteries and the veins free to restore some of the circulation. When a tourniquet is painful it is too tight and should be carefully loosened a little.