What should be done first when managing a bleeding wound?

When managing a bleeding wound, the priority is to control the bleeding effectively and quickly. The most immediate and effective method for doing this is to apply direct pressure to the wound. Direct pressure helps to stabilize the blood vessels and promotes clot formation, which is crucial in reducing blood loss and facilitating the body's natural healing process.

While cleaning the wound, applying a tourniquet, or elevating the limb may be part of the management process in specific circumstances, these actions are not as critical as direct pressure. Cleaning the wound is important, but it should occur after bleeding has been controlled. Tourniquets are typically used in severe cases of extremity bleeding when direct pressure fails and should not be the first line of action due to the risk of causing further tissue damage. Elevating the injured limb can help in some situations, but it is primarily effective for reducing swelling rather than controlling blood loss. Therefore, applying direct pressure is the most appropriate first step in managing a bleeding wound.