What characteristic defines arterial bleeding?

Arterial bleeding is primarily characterized by its spurting nature. This occurs because arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart under high pressure. When an artery is severed or injured, the pressure causes the blood to spurt out rhythmically with each heartbeat, creating a distinct pattern of bleeding. This contrasts sharply with venous bleeding, which tends to flow more steadily and consistently.

In comparison, blood from arterial bleeding is typically bright red due to its oxygenated state, which differentiates it from the darker red color associated with deoxygenated venous blood. While arterial bleeding can sometimes be steady if it is a small artery, the defining feature is indeed the spurting associated with high pressure.

Other types of bleeding, such as from veins, exhibit a more consistent flow without the spurting characteristic of arterial wounds. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for effective first response in emergencies where bleeding control is needed.