What is the best course of action for a bleeding wound?

The best course of action for a bleeding wound involves applying pressure and elevating the wound above the heart. This method effectively helps to control bleeding by promoting blood clotting and reducing blood flow to the affected area. Applying direct pressure to the wound helps to compress the blood vessels, which minimizes blood loss. Elevating the wound above the heart can facilitate venous return and further reduce bleeding by decreasing the hydrostatic pressure in the area.

Although washing the wound with soap and water is important for cleaning a wound to prevent infection, it is not the immediate priority when dealing with active bleeding. Using ice can help reduce swelling and numb the area for pain relief, but it isn't the most effective immediate treatment to control bleeding. Leaving a wound open is not advisable, as this can increase the risk of infection and doesn't contribute to managing the bleeding effectively. Thus, controlling the bleeding through pressure and elevation remains the top priority.