Which is a sign of life-threatening bleeding?

• A. Itchy skin
• B. Bright red blood
• C. Coughing
• D. Dizziness

Answer: (B)

Arterial bleeding is life-threatening because it involves a high-pressure, rapid loss of blood. Bright red blood indicates arterial blood being pumped from the heart, which often spurts with each heartbeat and can overwhelm the body's ability to compensate very quickly. This rapid, heavy bleed is the most urgent sign that a casualty needs immediate bleeding control to prevent shock and death.

Its redness and flow pattern distinguish it from other non-bleeding signs. Itchy skin is unrelated to hemorrhage, dizziness can occur with various conditions and isn’t a direct sign of active external bleeding, and coughing isn’t a definitive marker of external hemorrhage unless there’s blood in the airway, which is a different scenario.