The first technique used to control bleeding is which?

The first technique used to control bleeding is which?

• A. Elevation
• B. Packing
• C. Direct Pressure
• D. Tourniquet

Answer: (C)

Direct pressure to the wound is the first and most reliable way to control external bleeding. By pressing firmly on the wound with a clean cloth or sterile gauze, you compress the blood vessels at the site, slowing or stopping the flow of blood and giving the body's clotting process a chance to work. If the cloth becomes soaked, don’t remove it—continue applying pressure and add more cloth on top to maintain the pressure. Elevation can be added after direct pressure is established, as long as there’s no risk from fractures or further injury. Other techniques like packing or using a tourniquet are important in more severe or persistent bleeding, but they’re applied after direct pressure if the bleeding doesn't stop or is life-threatening.

Direct pressure to the wound is the first and most reliable way to control external bleeding. By pressing firmly on the wound with a clean cloth or sterile gauze, you compress the blood vessels at the site, slowing or stopping the flow of blood and giving the body's clotting process a chance to work. If the cloth becomes soaked, don’t remove it—continue applying pressure and add more cloth on top to maintain the pressure. Elevation can be added after direct pressure is established, as long as there’s no risk from fractures or further injury. Other techniques like packing or using a tourniquet are important in more severe or persistent bleeding, but they’re applied after direct pressure if the bleeding doesn't stop or is life-threatening.