You are attempting to control moderate external bleeding. Which of the following should you do first?

You are attempting to control moderate external bleeding. Which of the following should you do first?

• A. Wrap the wound with a bandage
• B. Apply direct pressure to the wound
• C. Elevate the limb
• D. Apply a tourniquet

Answer: (B)

Direct pressure on the wound is the first move because it directly opposes the flow of blood and helps the body's clotting process start. Press firmly with a clean pad or gauze to compress the injured vessels and slow or stop the bleeding. If the dressing becomes soaked, don’t remove it—add more padding and keep applying pressure. Once bleeding is controlled, you can secure a bandage to hold the dressing in place and consider elevating the limb if there’s no fracture threat. A tourniquet is a last resort for life-threatening bleeding that cannot be controlled with direct pressure.

Direct pressure on the wound is the first move because it directly opposes the flow of blood and helps the body's clotting process start. Press firmly with a clean pad or gauze to compress the injured vessels and slow or stop the bleeding. If the dressing becomes soaked, don’t remove it—add more padding and keep applying pressure. Once bleeding is controlled, you can secure a bandage to hold the dressing in place and consider elevating the limb if there’s no fracture threat. A tourniquet is a last resort for life-threatening bleeding that cannot be controlled with direct pressure.