What is the correct first aid step for external bleeding?

• A. Rinse with cold water.
• B. Massage around the wound.
• C. Apply direct pressure to the wound.
• D. Apply heat.

Answer: (C)

Stopping external bleeding starts with applying direct pressure to the wound. Press firmly over the site with a clean cloth or sterile gauze to compress the blood vessels, which helps the body's clotting process to form and slow or stop the flow. Keep applying pressure for several minutes; if the cloth soaks through, don’t remove it—add another layer and continue pressing. If possible, elevate the injured area to reduce blood flow. Once bleeding is controlled, you can proceed with cleaning around the wound and dressing it to protect it. If heavy bleeding continues despite continuous direct pressure for several minutes, or if the wound is deep or the person is unstable, seek emergency help.

Rinsing with cold water isn’t the first step to stop bleeding; it’s more about later cleaning. Massaging around the wound can disrupt the forming clot and worsen bleeding. Applying heat would increase blood flow and bleeding.