Initial management of external life-threatening hemorrhagic shock includes

• A. Elevate the limb and rest
• B. Administer antibiotics
• C. Direct pressure to area of external active bleeding
• D. Apply an ice pack to the area

Answer: (C)

Stopping external bleeding quickly is the highest priority when someone is in external life-threatening hemorrhagic shock. Direct pressure over the active bleeding is the best first action because it directly compresses the injured vessel, reduces flow, and promotes clot formation, which helps arrest blood loss fast. This approach can be done immediately with clean cloth or gauze and a firm wrap, and you should continue applying pressure and adding dressings if blood soaks through—don’t remove the dressing while bleeding persists. If direct pressure cannot control the bleeding, a tourniquet placed proximally on a limb may be needed. Elevating the limb or resting won’t reliably stop a life-threatening bleed. Antibiotics don’t address bleeding and are not part of the immediate control of hemorrhage, and ice packs don’t stop active bleeding and can cause tissue injury.