Which is the recommended approach to control life-threatening external bleeding?

Which is the recommended approach to control life-threatening external bleeding?

• A. Direct pressure, elevation, apply dressings; call EMS; use a tourniquet if trained and bleeding persists.
• B. Apply a tourniquet immediately and avoid pressure
• C. Elevate the limb without applying pressure
• D. Apply ice and rest

Answer: (A)

When life-threatening external bleeding is present, the first and most important step is to stop the bleed with direct pressure. Press firmly over the wound with a clean dressing to compress the blood vessels and help form a clot. If blood soaks through, do not remove the dressing—add more layers and maintain pressure. Elevate the limb if it can be done without causing further harm to reduce blood flow to the area. Call EMS right away because severe bleeding needs professional care and may require advanced interventions. If direct pressure and elevation don’t control the bleeding and you are trained to do so, apply a tourniquet proximal to the wound to stop the blood loss, and follow your training for monitoring and care. Ice and rest do not address life-threatening bleeding and are not the appropriate primary responses.

When life-threatening external bleeding is present, the first and most important step is to stop the bleed with direct pressure. Press firmly over the wound with a clean dressing to compress the blood vessels and help form a clot. If blood soaks through, do not remove the dressing—add more layers and maintain pressure. Elevate the limb if it can be done without causing further harm to reduce blood flow to the area. Call EMS right away because severe bleeding needs professional care and may require advanced interventions. If direct pressure and elevation don’t control the bleeding and you are trained to do so, apply a tourniquet proximal to the wound to stop the blood loss, and follow your training for monitoring and care. Ice and rest do not address life-threatening bleeding and are not the appropriate primary responses.