What is the recommended initial immediate response to severe bleeding?

Applying direct pressure to the wound is the recommended initial immediate response to severe bleeding because it helps to control and minimize blood loss. Direct pressure works by compressing the blood vessels at the injury site, which can aid in clot formation and stabilize the injury.

In the case of severe bleeding, crucial seconds can make a significant difference in patient outcomes, so controlling the bleeding as quickly as possible is essential. After applying direct pressure, if bleeding does not stop or if it is a limb injury, more advanced interventions, such as using a tourniquet, may be considered. However, the initial approach should always focus on direct pressure because it is the simplest and most effective method in most situations.

Other options, while relevant in different contexts of first aid, are not the immediate actions recommended for severe bleeding. Administering IV fluids is typically done later in a hospital setting and is not a front-line response in the immediate management of a traumatic bleed. CPR is only necessary if the patient is unresponsive and not breathing, and it would not address the immediate concern of bleeding. Using a tourniquet can be effective in severe cases, particularly for limb injuries, but it is generally not the first step unless direct pressure fails or the bleeding is life-threatening