What should you do if bleeding continues after packing a wound?

In a situation where bleeding continues after packing a wound, applying a second layer of gauze is an appropriate and effective action. This technique helps in several ways. First, it increases the pressure on the wound, which can facilitate clotting and minimize blood loss. Additionally, layers of gauze can help to absorb any blood that seeps through the initial packing, providing better management of the situation until further medical help can be obtained.

Adding more gauze without removing the initial layer is crucial because removing the packed material might disrupt any forming clots and could lead to further bleeding. It is essential to maintain pressure on the wound rather than risk exacerbating the situation.

While the other actions may have their place in certain circumstances, they are less ideal in this context. For example, calling emergency services is certainly important, but it should generally follow immediate first aid measures like adding more gauze and applying pressure. Using a tourniquet might be necessary for severe arterial bleeding, but it is typically used as a last resort due to the risks associated with cutting off blood flow entirely. Without first ensuring that pressure is applied effectively with gauze, immediately resorting to a tourniquet could lead to unnecessary complications.