1. We have learned previously that a choleh she’ein bo sakanah is permitted to take medicine on Shabbat. One who suffers a wound is not normally classified as a choleh she’ein bo sakanah and may not take medication in many cases, unless the wound is severe enough to incapacitate the person. Much of what is done to treat a wound, such as stopping the bleeding and bandaging it, does not qualify as medicine. However, treating a wound can potentially involve other Shabbat prohibitions, as we will see.

2. One who is bleeding due to an injury is permitted to apply pressure to the wound, even if it is very minor, in order to stop the bleeding (Shulchan Aruch 328:29). It is forbidden to actively cause bleeding on Shabbat, as that is a subcategory of the melachah of shochet (killing) (Shulchan Aruch 316:8). For example, extremely sensitive gums which bleed whenever teeth are brushed may pose an issue.

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for everlasting peace in Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.