1. We learned yesterday that when treating a wound, one may apply pressure and stop the bleeding. One may use a gauze pad in doing so, even though it will get stained from the blood. Although according to some opinions, causing a garment to become colored should be avoided on Shabbat due to concerns for the melachah of tzove’a (dyeing) (see Shulchan Aruch 320:20), it is permitted here because the gauze pad is disposable.

2. One should try not to use a towel or cloth when stopping the bleeding, since they are permanent, and tzove’a may be violated according to some opinions (Shulchan Aruch 328:48). If one has nothing else with which to apply pressure, one may use a towel or cloth as well (Mishnah Berurah 320:46; Halachos of Refuah on Shabbos, p.323).

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