What first aid technique should be applied if a person is bleeding extensively from a cut?

Applying pressure to a wound is a critical first aid technique for controlling extensive bleeding. When a person is bleeding significantly, one of the most effective immediate actions is to apply direct pressure to the site of the cut. This pressure helps to slow down or stop the flow of blood and allows any clotting mechanisms in the body to take effect.

In cases of severe bleeding, maintaining steady pressure for several minutes without lifting to check on the bleeding is essential. It’s important to use a clean cloth or bandage, and if blood soaks through, additional cloths should be layered on top without removing the initial cloth, as this can disrupt any forming clots.

Other techniques listed, like icing the wound, applying a tourniquet, or cleaning the wound with soap, are not ideal first responses for extensive bleeding. Ice may reduce swelling but does not directly address the bleeding. A tourniquet is typically reserved for extreme cases, such as severe limb injuries, and is not the first action for all cuts. Cleaning with soap is generally part of later wound care once bleeding is controlled but is not effective for immediate wound management in bleeding situations.