If direct pressure does not control bleeding, what is the next step?

If direct pressure does not control bleeding, what is the next step?

• A. Elevate the limb
• B. Apply a tourniquet
• C. Apply ice
• D. Call for help

Answer: (B)

If direct pressure cannot stop life-threatening bleeding, the next step is to apply a tourniquet to the injured limb. A tourniquet works by stopping arterial blood flow to the area, which can prevent rapid blood loss and buy critical time until advanced care arrives. Place it high up on the limb, between the wound and the body, tighten firmly until the bleeding visibly slows or stops and you can’t get better control with pressure alone. Record the time the tourniquet was applied and do not remove it until medical professionals take over. While you’re doing this, continue to monitor the patient and call for help. Elevating the limb isn’t the priority when there’s uncontrolled external bleeding, and applying ice isn’t effective for stopping bleeding. Calling for help is important and should be done promptly, but the immediate action to control the bleed is to apply the tourniquet.

If direct pressure cannot stop life-threatening bleeding, the next step is to apply a tourniquet to the injured limb. A tourniquet works by stopping arterial blood flow to the area, which can prevent rapid blood loss and buy critical time until advanced care arrives. Place it high up on the limb, between the wound and the body, tighten firmly until the bleeding visibly slows or stops and you can’t get better control with pressure alone. Record the time the tourniquet was applied and do not remove it until medical professionals take over. While you’re doing this, continue to monitor the patient and call for help.

Elevating the limb isn’t the priority when there’s uncontrolled external bleeding, and applying ice isn’t effective for stopping bleeding. Calling for help is important and should be done promptly, but the immediate action to control the bleed is to apply the tourniquet.