In BLS trauma care for extremity injuries, which action is used to control external bleeding?

• A. Tourniquet PRN
• B. Direct pressure to control external hemorrhage
• C. Splint neurologically stable fractures in position
• D. Remove clothing around the limb

Answer: (B)

Direct pressure on the wound is the primary way to stop external bleeding in extremity injuries. Applying firm pressure with a dressing or gauze compresses the vessels, helps form a clot, and quickly reduces blood loss. If the bleeding soaks through, continue applying pressure and add more dressings rather than removing them. Only if direct pressure cannot control the bleed should you escalate to a tourniquet placed high on the limb. Splinting and removing clothing around the limb are important parts of trauma care, but they do not directly stop external bleeding.