EMT Basic Certification Complete Practice Exam 2026

The first step to stop external bleeding is applying direct pressure to the wound. Direct pressure is essential because it helps to constrict the blood vessels and promotes clotting at the site of the injury. When pressure is applied, it helps to control the flow of blood and encourages the body's natural hemostatic processes. This immediate action is crucial in managing bleeding effectively.

Other methods, such as the use of a tourniquet, are typically indicated in cases of severe bleeding when direct pressure fails or when the injury involves an extremity with life-threatening blood loss. A pressure bandage is often used after direct pressure has been applied to help maintain that pressure over time. Shock treatment is not a direct method for controlling bleeding; it may be necessary for managing the potential consequences of significant blood loss, such as shock, but it does not stop the bleeding itself. Therefore, direct pressure is the appropriate initial action to take for external bleeding.