What is the first action to take when dealing with a bleeding wound?

Applying direct pressure to the wound is the most immediate and effective action to control bleeding. By exerting pressure directly on the site of the wound, you help to stem the flow of blood. This action can activate the body’s natural clotting process, allowing the blood to coagulate and potentially stop the bleeding.

In emergency situations, time is of the essence, and direct pressure is a straightforward way to manage the bleeding while waiting for further medical assistance. Other methods, like cleaning the wound or elevating it, should typically come after ensuring that the bleeding is controlled, as they do not prioritize stopping the flow of blood. Laying the casualty flat may be appropriate in some circumstances, but it should not take precedence over controlling bleeding when the priority is to stabilize the patient's condition first.