How should you treat a profusely bleeding wound?

Applying direct pressure to a profusely bleeding wound is the most effective initial treatment. This method helps to control bleeding by promoting clot formation and significantly reduces blood loss. When pressure is applied directly to the wound, it compresses the blood vessels, slowing down or stopping the flow of blood.

In situations where you encounter a bleeding wound, it is crucial to maintain firm and continuous pressure for at least several minutes, and if blood soaks through the dressing, additional layers should be added on top rather than lifting the initial dressing off, as this can disrupt any clot that has started to form.

Other methods such as immersing the wound in water, using a tourniquet, or applying ice are not appropriate for managing profuse bleeding in the first instance. Immersing in water could exacerbate the situation by introducing contaminants, while a tourniquet is typically reserved for severe, life-threatening bleeding when direct pressure fails, and applying ice could restrict blood flow in a way that does not provide immediate control of the bleeding.