What is the basic approach to controlling severe bleeding in the field?

• A. Immediately apply a tourniquet in all cases.
• B. Let the bleeding stop on its own.
• C. Suck out the blood with your mouth.
• D. Apply direct pressure with clean cloth, maintain pressure until bleeding slows, and seek medical help; use a tourniquet only if trained and necessary.

Answer: (D)

The basic approach is to stop the bleeding by applying direct pressure with a clean cloth and then keep that pressure long enough to slow or stop the flow, while you arrange for medical help. You should seek professional care after applying pressure because serious blood loss can be life-threatening. A tourniquet is a specialized tool used only when direct pressure cannot control the bleeding and you have been trained in its use; using it incorrectly can cause more harm. That’s why pressing directly on the wound and maintaining pressure is the first and best step in the field, rather than trying unsafe or ineffective methods like letting it stop on its own, sucking the blood with your mouth, or skipping direct pressure.