What type of bleeding is the most severe?

Two types of bleeding are the most life-threatening:

• internal vs. superficial
• arterial vs. venous

The most severe type of bleeding is arterial. Internal bleeding may be from a "small bleed" so while internal bleeding is serious, it is NOT the most severe type. For example, bleeding ulcer is internal bleeding and while it can be serious and can become life-threatening, it may not necessarily be severe.

Traumatic internal bleeding is usually severe, serious, and life-threatening, but bleeds may start small and progress without emergency surgery; yet, there is usually enough time to get a trauma victim from the ER to the OR.