Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Test

What are the 5 steps to stop external bleeding?

1. direct pressure

2. pressure bandage

3. rapid transport

4. tourniquet

The correct answer is: direct pressure

To effectively stop external bleeding, applying direct pressure is the first and most crucial step. This technique involves using a clean cloth or bandage to firmly press against the wound. The pressure helps to compress the blood vessels and can effectively slow blood loss. While other methods such as using a pressure bandage, rapid transport, and tourniquets can be effective in certain situations, direct pressure is the immediate and most reliable first action. It is critical because it addresses the issue directly at the source, promoting clot formation and controlling blood flow efficiently. Following direct pressure, other measures such as implementing a pressure bandage to maintain the pressure or using a tourniquet in severe bleeding cases can be considered, but these steps typically come after direct pressure has been applied. Rapid transport is essential when a patient is experiencing significant blood loss, but it is not a primary step in directly stopping the bleeding. Thus, the importance of direct pressure in the initial response to bleeding makes it the correct answer.