Direct pressure

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Direct pressure is a procedure in first aid for reducing blood loss from a wound by applying pressure to the injury. Proper application of direct pressure and elevation of the wound are effective for nearly all minor and moderate wounds except when an artery or vein is torn. Only after direct pressure and elevation have failed should a rescuer move on to more drastic options for reducing blood loss such as pressure points. The Tourniquet, the most severe field wound recovery tool, should only be used as an absolute last resort because of serious complications such as nerve damage and further soft tissue damage at the tourniquet site and cell death on the limb due to lack of oxygen.

Direct pressure is applied directly above the wound. It does not completely obstruct blood supply, as a Tourniquet does, but it still stops bleeding. A sterile cloth should be used for direct pressure, because the risk of infection is minimized. Along with the sterile cloth, it is also preferable to use latex gloves as a barrier between the hand and the wound, as blood-bourne viruses or bacteria could easily be transmitted between the two. Direct pressure should not be used if the wound is directly over or near a broken bone. The additional pressure would cause excruciating pain to the person and may cause additional damage. Instead, pressure points should be used to stop the bleeding.