What is the best way to control severe bleeding?

Applying direct pressure to a wound is the most effective initial method for controlling severe bleeding. By placing firm and continuous pressure directly on the bleeding site, you help to promote clot formation and reduce blood flow from the injury. This is crucial, especially in cases of arterial bleeding where significant blood loss can occur rapidly.

While elevating the injured limb can be beneficial in some cases, it is secondary to direct pressure and may not effectively stop the bleeding. Elevation might make the bleeding worse if the wound is not managed properly.

Using a tourniquet can be appropriate in certain situations, particularly for limb injuries where direct pressure fails or in cases of life-threatening hemorrhage, but it is generally not the immediate first choice for bleeding control. It should be applied only after direct pressure has been tried and if the bleeding is severe and not controllable by pressure alone.

A cold compress is also not an effective method for controlling severe bleeding. Ice may reduce swelling and numb the area, but it does not address the source of the bleeding directly.

Overall, the primary focus in managing severe bleeding should be on applying direct pressure to the wound, as this is the most immediate and effective intervention to help control blood loss.