Final answer:
To treat severe bleeding, start by applying pressure to the wound and seeking emergency assistance while avoiding removal of embedded objects or unnecessary movement. The body's natural response involves forming a blood clot through a positive feedback loop facilitated by the accumulation of platelets at the injury site.
Step-by-step explanation:
When treating severe bleeding, the initial step after a skin injury is the body's wound-healing response, which begins with the formation of a blood clot to stop the bleeding. The next response in this healing process is the development of a platelet plug, where platelets start to cling to the injured site and release chemicals that attract more platelets. This positive feedback loop continues with the acceleration of the clotting process until the clot is large enough to halt the bleeding. The three main steps of hemostasis include vascular spasm, the formation of a platelet plug, and coagulation; any failure in these steps can lead to hemorrhage—or excessive bleeding. For severe bleeding, immediate steps include applying pressure to the wound, not removing any embedded objects, keeping the person still, and seeking emergency medical help.