What does applying direct pressure to a wound help to control?

Applying direct pressure to a wound is instrumental in managing blood flow. When pressure is applied to an injury, it helps to constrict blood vessels and minimize the bleeding by promoting clot formation. This is particularly crucial in cases of significant bleeding, as controlling blood loss is vital for the patient's immediate safety and health.

By mitigating the amount of blood that escapes from the wound, direct pressure not only aids in stabilizing the patient's condition but also sets the stage for further medical intervention. While it does have some indirect effects on other factors, such as potentially lowering the risk of infection by reducing exposure to the environment and promoting a more controlled healing process, the primary mechanism at play with direct pressure is the control of blood flow.