What is the first step to control life-threatening arterial bleeding on the field?

What is the first step to control life-threatening arterial bleeding on the field?

• A. Call EMS and wait for assistance
• B. Elevate the limb and apply ice
• C. Apply direct pressure with a sterile dressing
• D. Apply a tourniquet immediately

Answer: (C)

The immediate action to control life-threatening arterial bleeding is to apply direct pressure with a sterile dressing. This directly compresses the wound, helps form a clot, and quickly slows or stops the bleeding, which is the top priority in a field emergency. While you should call for help, you don’t need to wait for responders before starting this control; if possible, have someone call EMS while you apply pressure. Elevating the limb and icing the area may be helpful later, but they don’t reliably stop arterial bleeding and can delay applying pressure. A tourniquet is a critical option—but it’s a later step when direct pressure cannot control the bleeding or is impractical, and it requires proper technique. Keep applying steady pressure, add more dressings if the first soaks through, and avoid removing the initial dressing to maintain continual pressure.

The immediate action to control life-threatening arterial bleeding is to apply direct pressure with a sterile dressing. This directly compresses the wound, helps form a clot, and quickly slows or stops the bleeding, which is the top priority in a field emergency. While you should call for help, you don’t need to wait for responders before starting this control; if possible, have someone call EMS while you apply pressure. Elevating the limb and icing the area may be helpful later, but they don’t reliably stop arterial bleeding and can delay applying pressure. A tourniquet is a critical option—but it’s a later step when direct pressure cannot control the bleeding or is impractical, and it requires proper technique. Keep applying steady pressure, add more dressings if the first soaks through, and avoid removing the initial dressing to maintain continual pressure.