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 on the wound. It does not completely obstruct blood supply, as a tourniquet does, but it still stops bleeding. Sterile gauze should be used for direct pressure, because the risk of infection is minimized. Along with the sterile gauze, it is also preferable to use medical gloves as a barrier between the hand and the wound, as blood-borne 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, or if a foreign object is embedded in the wound. The additional pressure would cause excruciating pain to the person and may cause additional damage. Instead, pressure can be applied to bleeding tissues around the bone or object. If this level of treatment is ineffective, consider using pressure points. If blood soaks through the gauze, apply more gauze on top - never remove it. Removing the gauze could rip away any clots which were previously slowing the bleeding.