What guidelines should lifeguards follow for administering first aid for a bleeding wound?

The recommended guideline for administering first aid for a bleeding wound involves applying pressure to the wound and elevating the injured area if it’s appropriate. This approach helps to control bleeding effectively by promoting clot formation and reducing blood flow to the area. Applying direct pressure helps to stem the flow of blood, while elevation can decrease blood flow due to gravity, enhancing the chance of stopping the hemorrhage.

Applying ice directly to the wound can lead to tissue damage and is not a first-line response for bleeding wounds, as it does not address the need to control bleeding actively. Using a tourniquet is generally reserved for severe cases where the bleeding cannot be controlled by direct pressure. It requires careful consideration and should be applied as a last resort to avoid potential complications. Rinsing the wound with water might clean debris, but it is not a primary step in managing active bleeding, as it could also exacerbate blood loss. Therefore, applying pressure and elevating the wound is the most effective guideline in managing bleeding injuries in a lifeguard context.