What should you do if bleeding recurs after applying a bandage?

If bleeding recurs after you have applied a bandage, the appropriate action is to remove the bandage and use direct manual pressure. This approach is essential because it allows you to directly address the source of the bleeding and assess the situation more effectively. Using manual pressure can help to stem the flow of blood while facilitating better visibility to determine if there’s a need for further intervention, such as additional dressings or medical assistance.

Applying an additional dressing over the first may not be effective if the initial bandage has failed to control the bleeding. It can also lead to complications such as trapping blood and increasing pressure at the wound site, which could worsen the condition.

Immersing the wound in cold water is not a standard procedure for managing bleeding and could also introduce further risks, such as infection or irritation, and does not provide direct pressure on the wound to control bleeding.

Elevating the limb above the heart can be a supportive measure in some situations of bleeding, but it should not replace direct manual pressure on the wound itself. Elevation can help reduce blood flow to the area, but without controlling the bleeding directly, it might not be sufficient to manage significant blood loss effectively.

Being aware of these nuances emphasizes the importance of hands-on, direct