Which type of bleeding is more common and occurs under less pressure?

Capillary bleeding is characterized by the oozing of blood from small vessels and is typically the most common type of bleeding encountered. This type of bleeding often occurs from abrasions or minor injuries, where the capillaries, which are the smallest blood vessels in the body, are damaged. Since these vessels are under relatively low pressure compared to arteries and larger veins, the blood flows steadily and in small amounts.

In contrast, arterial bleeding tends to be more serious and is marked by bright red blood that spurts with each heartbeat due to the higher pressure in the arteries. Major vein bleeding, while also significant, can be associated with larger blood loss and usually occurs in a context of more severe injuries. Minor vein bleeding, though it may involve veins, is less common in everyday incidents compared to capillary bleeding and is often of limited scope. Therefore, understanding the nature of capillary bleeding is essential in first aid, as it guides responders in how to treat minor wounds effectively and manage bleeding in less critical situations.