How should direct pressure be applied to a wound?

Applying direct pressure to a wound using a gloved hand directly on the surface is the appropriate technique because it promotes clotting and minimizes blood loss. Gloved hands protect both the patient from infection and the caregiver from exposure to blood and possible pathogens. This method ensures that pressure is applied right where it's needed, directly to the site of bleeding, facilitating better control of hemorrhage.

In contrast, while elevating the wound above the heart can help reduce blood flow and swelling, it is typically an adjunct to direct pressure rather than a substitute. Utilizing a tourniquet is generally reserved for severe cases of limb bleeding and is not the first line of treatment for most wounds. Lastly, applying ice is more effective for reducing swelling after the bleeding has stopped and should not be the primary method of managing an actively bleeding wound.