Question

What should you first do to control external bleeding in an extremity?

1) Apply direct pressure to the wound
2) Elevate the extremity
3) Apply a tourniquet
4) Administer pain medication

Answer 1

To control external bleeding in an extremity, the first step is applying direct pressure to the wound, which supports the body's natural blood clotting process.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first step to control external bleeding in an extremity is to apply direct pressure to the wound. Direct pressure helps to compress the blood vessels at the site of injury, aiding in the natural blood clotting process. The body's response to injury is to initiate a positive feedback loop that includes vessel constriction, the formation of a platelet plug, and the synthesis of fibrin which ultimately forms a clot. This process is critical to stop excessive blood loss that can lead to reduced blood pressure and perfusion to vital organs. If direct pressure is not sufficient to control the bleeding, then further measures, such as elevation and possibly a tourniquet, could be considered, but only by someone trained to do so.