Australian First Aid Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Raising the wound above the level of the heart and applying pressure is the most effective way to control bleeding because it utilizes gravity to slow blood flow and minimizes the pressure within the blood vessels at the site of the injury. By elevating the wound, you reduce the blood supply to the affected area, which helps to decrease the amount of bleeding. Additionally, direct pressure on the wound aids in promoting clot formation and can effectively stop the bleeding.

Using a tourniquet may be considered in severe or life-threatening situations, but it is generally advised to apply direct pressure first, as tourniquets can cause complications if not used correctly. Applying ice might numb the area and reduce swelling, but it does not effectively control bleeding. Encouraging the person to walk around could potentially exacerbate the bleeding and hinder the body's healing processes, which can worsen the injury. Therefore, the initial and best approach is to elevate the wound and apply pressure.