Direct pressure is the simplest and most effective initial intervention for controlling many types of external bleeding. When applied early and correctly, direct pressure can stop hemorrhage, reduce blood loss, and prevent patient deterioration.

Direct pressure should be the first consideration for most bleeding wounds that do not require immediate tourniquet application. Pressure should be applied directly over the source of bleeding using a gloved hand, gauze, dressing, or other appropriate material.

Key principles of direct pressure include:

• Apply firm, continuous pressure directly over the wound.
• Do not repeatedly lift the dressing to check for bleeding.
• Maintain pressure long enough to allow clot formation.
• Reassess the effectiveness of hemorrhage control.
• Escalate to additional interventions if bleeding continues.

If direct pressure alone does not control the hemorrhage, additional measures such as tourniquet application, wound packing, or pressure dressings may be required depending on the location and severity of the injury.

Direct pressure remains the foundation of hemorrhage control and should be considered whenever severe bleeding is identified.

Remember: The best hemorrhage control intervention is the one that effectively stops the bleeding.