How much blood do you lose before you die?

As a medical professional, I can tell you that the amount of blood loss that can lead to death varies greatly from person to person and depends on several factors, including the individual's overall health, the rate of blood loss, and the body's ability to compensate for the loss. The human body contains approximately 1.5 liters (or about 7 pints) of blood in an average adult. Class 3 hemorrhage, which involves a loss of 30 to 40 percent of total blood volume, equates to about 1.5 to 2 liters (or 3 to 4 pints) of blood. This level of blood loss can be life-threatening and typically requires immediate medical attention and often a blood transfusion. However, it's important to note that even less severe blood loss can be fatal if it occurs rapidly or if the person has underlying health conditions. The body can initially compensate for a loss of up to 15 percent (about 1 pint) without significant symptoms, but as the loss increases, symptoms become more apparent and the risk of organ failure and death increases. The key point here is that any significant blood loss should be considered an emergency. It's crucial to seek medical help immediately if you or someone else is experiencing heavy bleeding.

The next level of blood loss occurs with the Class 3 hemorrhage, which references loss of 30 to 40 percent of total blood volume. This could be around 3 to 4 pints of blood, for those keeping track. Blood transfusion is usually necessary with a hemorrhage of this magnitude, according to Alton.