If a victim is spurting bright, red blood after removing an impaled object, what type of bleeding are they experiencing?

When a victim is spurting bright red blood after removing an impaled object, they are exhibiting signs of arterial bleeding. This type of bleeding occurs when an artery is damaged and blood is ejected from the vessel under pressure with each heartbeat. The bright red color of the blood indicates that it is oxygen-rich, which is characteristic of arterial blood. The spurt pattern is also a key indicator, as the force of the blood flow corresponds closely to the rhythm of the heart, creating a pulsatile output.

In contrast, venous bleeding typically results in a steady flow of darker red blood, as veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart, and the pressure is much lower than that in arteries. Capillary bleeding is characterized by a slow oozing of blood and is usually less severe, as it involves tiny capillaries rather than larger blood vessels. Contusive bleeding is generally associated with bruising and not with active bleeding from a wound. Therefore, recognizing the signs associated with arterial bleeding is critical for immediate first aid and medical response.