Utah Contractor Practice Exam

What is the primary method to control bleeding from a deep gushing wound?

1. Apply a tourniquet

2. Apply direct pressure to the wound

3. Apply pressure to the brachial artery

4. Apply pressure 6" below the wound or joint

The correct answer is: Apply direct pressure to the wound

Applying direct pressure to the wound is the primary method to control bleeding from a deep gushing wound because it helps to compress the blood vessels at the site of injury, which is crucial in reducing blood flow and promoting clotting. When direct pressure is applied firmly and continuously, it encourages the natural hemostatic processes of the body, allowing the blood to form clots around the injury more effectively. In many situations, especially in emergency care, it's essential to maintain this pressure until professional medical help arrives or the bleeding is controlled effectively. This method is non-invasive and can be applied quickly, making it suitable for immediate first-aid treatment. While using a tourniquet might be appropriate in certain life-threatening scenarios, it is generally reserved for severe cases where direct pressure has failed. Pressure on the brachial artery or applying pressure below the wound are also methods that may be used in specific situations, but they are not the first-line treatment for immediate bleeding control. Direct pressure remains the most effective and straightforward initial response to manage acute bleeding from wounds.