The three methods of controlling external bleeding are Direct pressure; Pressure dressing; Tourniquet. Which option lists all three?

• A. Direct pressure; Pressure dressing; Tourniquet
• B. Direct pressure; Elevation; Ice
• C. Pressure dressing; Tourniquet; Antibiotics
• D. Direct pressure; Pressure dressing; Elevation

Answer: (A)

The main idea is stopping external bleeding through three immediate steps: first, apply direct pressure to the wound to compress the vessels and help clotting; if bleeding continues, use a pressure dressing to maintain steady pressure and absorb blood; and if the bleeding still cannot be controlled, especially from a limb, apply a tourniquet as a last resort to cut off blood flow and prevent massive blood loss. This combination—direct pressure, a pressure dressing, and a tourniquet—covers the primary ways to control external bleeding. Other options like elevation or ice are not the primary methods for stopping bleeding, and antibiotics address infection, not hemostasis.