Bleeding from facial soft-tissue injuries is MOST effectively controlled by which method?

• A. Ice packs and elevation of the patient's head
• B. Direct pressure using dry, sterile dressings
• C. Digital pressure to an adjacent pulse point
• D. Pressure dressings and chemical ice packs

Answer: (B)

Direct pressure with dry, sterile dressings stops facial bleeding most effectively by applying firm compression directly to the wound, which tamponades the damaged vessels and accelerates clot formation. The sterile dressing protects the area and absorbs blood, allowing you to maintain pressure without reopening the wound. While cooling (ice packs) and elevating the head may help with swelling, they don’t reliably halt active bleeding. Pressing on a nearby pulse point doesn’t address the actual bleeding site and is less effective. Pressure dressings that rely on chemical ice packs introduce a risk of skin injury and don’t improve bleeding control beyond what direct pressure with clean dressings provides.