Jade Health Notes

When Severe Bleeding Happens: What TCM & Acupuncturists Should and Should Not Do at the Scene

Severe bleeding—especially from the neck—is a highest-risk emergency. The actions most likely to affect survival are to activate emergency services immediately and maintain firm, continuous direct pressure on the bleeding site. Acupuncture, bloodletting, or any additional puncture is not appropriate in this setting and may increase risk or delay lifesaving care.

Case summary: a public attack and an emergency-response reminder

On the evening of December 19, 2025, a random violent attack occurred near Zhongshan Station on the Taipei Metro. A 37-year-old security guard was assaulted on his way home after work and suffered a severe neck injury with rapid blood loss. Although passersby with medical training provided emergency bleeding control and he was transported to the hospital promptly, he later died due to major vessel injury and blood loss.

Beyond the public-safety concerns, this incident raises a practical question: when non-emergency personnel encounter a sudden, life-threatening injury with heavy bleeding in a public setting, how can they respond correctly—helping the victim without unintentionally increasing risk?

Why neck bleeding is a highest-risk emergency

The neck contains major blood vessels and the airway; severe injury can become fatal within minutes.
Arterial bleeding is high-pressure and can be difficult to control without steady, uninterrupted pressure.
This is a structural, time-critical injury—not a condition that can be “regulated” with supportive therapies at the scene.

What TCM & acupuncturists should do at the scene

Activate emergency medical services

Call local emergency services immediately. Provide a clear location and describe the bleeding and the person’s responsiveness. Arrange for someone to guide responders to the scene.

Support firm, continuous direct pressure

Use a clean cloth, gauze, or clothing to apply direct pressure over the bleeding site.
Avoid repeatedly lifting to “check.” If material becomes soaked, add layers on top and keep pressure steady.
If the person applying pressure becomes fatigued, help rotate or relieve them so pressure does not stop.

Keep the scene stable and observe

Encourage the injured person to stay still and calm; avoid unnecessary movement.
Monitor breathing and responsiveness and share observations with responders.
Maintain scene safety to prevent additional harm.

What TCM & acupuncturists should not do at the scene

Do not perform acupuncture or any additional puncture

In severe bleeding, acupuncture cannot reduce high-pressure blood loss. Any additional puncture may introduce new bleeding, distract the team, or delay the only interventions that matter most at that moment.

Do not attempt bloodletting, “acupoint bleeding,” or folk remedies

Bloodletting increases total blood loss and does not meaningfully reduce bleeding from a major neck vessel. It can also delay effective bleeding control and emergency transport.

Do not split attention or manpower

In a time-critical emergency, prioritize uninterrupted direct pressure, calling for help, guiding responders, and providing clear handover—rather than trying unproven interventions.

Professional reflection: sometimes “not intervening” is the most responsible choice

TCM and acupuncture are well-suited for conditions that can be assessed, monitored, and treated in a controlled setting. But severe traumatic bleeding is different: the immediate goal is survival. Knowing when to support emergency care—and when to step back from treatment modalities—is part of clinical maturity and professional ethics.

Closing

In severe bleeding emergencies, the most helpful role for TCM and acupuncturists is to support correct first aid: call for help, maintain continuous direct pressure, stabilize the scene, and provide a clear handover. This is not only first-aid knowledge—it is fundamental respect for life.

This article is general health education and does not replace professional first-aid training or medical advice. In an emergency, follow local emergency services instructions.