Safety, Fire & Survival · First Aid — Severe Bleeding

The first and most effective measure to control severe external bleeding from a limb is:

Explanation

Direct pressure with a clean dressing controls most external bleeding; elevation can help. A tourniquet is reserved for catastrophic limb hemorrhage that direct pressure cannot control, because of the risks to the limb — though modern guidance applies it promptly for life-threatening arterial bleeds.

Authority: Ship Captain's Medical Guide; first-aid guidance

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