What is the first step in controlling external hemorrhage?

What is the first step in controlling external hemorrhage?

• A. Elevate the limb and apply direct pressure with a sterile dressing
• B. Apply heat to the wound
• C. Rinse with alcohol
• D. Massage area to stop bleeding

Answer: (A)

Controlling external hemorrhage begins with applying direct pressure to the wound using a sterile dressing to physically compress the bleeding vessel and promote clot formation. Elevating the injured limb helps reduce blood flow by gravity, which speeds clotting and minimizes blood loss. Other actions, like applying heat, rinsing with alcohol, or massaging the area, can worsen bleeding or irritate tissue and should be avoided. So, the first step is to place a sterile dressing on the wound and apply firm direct pressure, optionally with the limb elevated, to stop the bleed.

Controlling external hemorrhage begins with applying direct pressure to the wound using a sterile dressing to physically compress the bleeding vessel and promote clot formation. Elevating the injured limb helps reduce blood flow by gravity, which speeds clotting and minimizes blood loss. Other actions, like applying heat, rinsing with alcohol, or massaging the area, can worsen bleeding or irritate tissue and should be avoided. So, the first step is to place a sterile dressing on the wound and apply firm direct pressure, optionally with the limb elevated, to stop the bleed.