Final answer:
When faced with severe external bleeding, it's crucial to act quickly and take the following steps: call for help, position the casualty, apply pressure, elevate the injured area, avoid removing objects, and keep the casualty warm and conscious.
Step-by-step explanation:
Severe external bleeding is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. The steps to be taken in this case include:
- Call for help: Alert someone nearby to call emergency services or an ambulance.
- Position the casualty: Lay the casualty down flat, preferably on their back, to reduce blood flow to the affected area.
- Apply pressure: Cover the wound with a clean cloth or dressing and apply firm and sustained pressure directly on the bleeding site. Maintain pressure until medical help arrives.
- Elevate the injured area: If possible, raise the bleeding limb above the level of the heart to reduce blood flow to the area.
- Do not remove any objects: If an object is impaled in the wound, do not remove it as it may be helping to control the bleeding. Leave it in place and wait for medical professionals to remove it safely.
- Keep the casualty warm and conscious: Cover them with a blanket or jacket to prevent hypothermia and keep them calm and reassured.