What is the appropriate action when treating a severe bleed?

Applying a tourniquet if necessary is the appropriate action when treating a severe bleed. This is because a tourniquet effectively controls life-threatening bleeding from an extremity by compressing the blood vessels and preventing blood flow to the area. The timely application of a tourniquet can be life-saving, especially in situations where direct pressure or topical methods fail to adequately control hemorrhage. It is crucial to use a tourniquet when the bleeding is severe, as this can prevent shock and increase the chances of survival until advanced medical care can be provided.

In the context of severe bleeding, waiting for reassessment, ignoring the injury, or only applying topical pressure are inadequate responses. Severe bleeding requires immediate and decisive action to minimize blood loss and maximize patient safety. Therefore, the application of a tourniquet is recognized as a critical intervention in these circumstances.