What is the basic first aid approach for a freely bleeding wound?

What is the basic first aid approach for a freely bleeding wound?

• A. Apply direct pressure with a dirty dressing; if bleeding stops, monitor
• B. Apply a tourniquet immediately
• C. Rinse with hot water
• D. Apply direct pressure with a clean dressing; if bleeding continues, escalate to a tourniquet under trained guidance

Answer: (D)

Control external bleeding begins with direct pressure using a clean dressing to compress the wound and slow blood loss. Press firmly on the wound and maintain pressure, adding more clean dressings on top if the first becomes saturated—don’t remove the initial dressing as you add others. Elevation can help if it won’t cause further harm. If bleeding continues despite sustained direct pressure, escalate to a tourniquet only under trained guidance, because improper placement or use can cause tissue damage and may not be appropriate for every wound. Using a dirty dressing raises infection risk, and rinsing with hot water does not stop bleeding and can worsen tissue injury.

Control external bleeding begins with direct pressure using a clean dressing to compress the wound and slow blood loss. Press firmly on the wound and maintain pressure, adding more clean dressings on top if the first becomes saturated—don’t remove the initial dressing as you add others. Elevation can help if it won’t cause further harm. If bleeding continues despite sustained direct pressure, escalate to a tourniquet only under trained guidance, because improper placement or use can cause tissue damage and may not be appropriate for every wound. Using a dirty dressing raises infection risk, and rinsing with hot water does not stop bleeding and can worsen tissue injury.