How should you manage heavy bleeding?

The most effective way to manage heavy bleeding is to use sterile dressing and apply pressure. This technique helps to promote clotting and reduces blood flow from the wound. The application of direct pressure on the bleeding site not only aids in controlling the bleeding but also minimizes the risk of further injury or complications associated with excessive blood loss.

When using sterile dressings, it is essential to ensure they do not contain any contamination, which could introduce infection. If blood soaks through the dressing, it is important to apply additional dressings directly on top without removing the initial ones, as removing them could disrupt the clotting process.

While elevating the injury above the heart can help reduce blood flow, it is not always feasible or effective in instances of severe bleeding, especially if the injury is critical or if the elevation hinders proper pressure application. Similarly, applying ice may provide benefits for swelling but does not address the immediate need to control hemorrhage. Leaving a wound exposed can lead to further complications, as open wounds are susceptible to infection and do not have the support needed to control bleeding.