How is bleeding from a damaged artery typically described?

Bleeding from a damaged artery is characteristically rapid and heavy due to the high pressure at which arterial blood is pumped from the heart. Unlike veins, arteries are designed to carry oxygen-rich blood quickly throughout the body, so when an artery is compromised, the blood can spurt or flow out forcefully. This is significant in a first aid context because rapid and heavy bleeding can lead to shock and other severe complications if not addressed quickly. Understanding the nature of arterial bleeding is essential for determining the urgency of intervention and the measures needed to control the bleeding effectively.