What should be done if a person shows signs of arterial bleeding?

Immediate application of pressure to the wound is crucial when a person shows signs of arterial bleeding. Arterial bleeding is characterized by bright red blood that spurts with each heartbeat, indicating that the blood is under high pressure as it is being pumped directly from the heart.

Applying direct pressure to the wound helps to reduce the blood flow and is the primary method for controlling bleeding in such cases. This action can be performed using a clean cloth or bandage; if blood soaks through, additional cloths should be placed on top without removing the initial one, as this can disrupt clot formation.

While other options may seem reasonable in different contexts, they are not appropriate for managing arterial bleeding. Waiting for professional help or instructing the person to elevate the bleeding part could delay crucial intervention. Elevation may even exacerbate the situation by causing more blood to flow to the area. Applying heat is not recommended as it can potentially increase blood flow and worsen the bleeding. Therefore, immediate application of pressure is essential in providing the best chance for controlling arterial bleeding until emergency medical services can take over.