What action should be taken for a patient with severe bleeding?

Applying pressure to the wound is a critical immediate action for managing severe bleeding. When a patient is experiencing significant blood loss, direct pressure helps to control the bleeding by compressing the blood vessels and aiding in clot formation. This technique is fundamental in first aid and can significantly reduce the risk of shock and complications associated with rapid blood loss.

Other methods, such as administering fluids, keeping the patient calm, or restricting movement, may support the patient’s overall condition, but they do not directly address the immediate need to stop the bleeding. Stopping the bleed should always be the first priority in a severe bleeding scenario, making the application of pressure the most crucial action to take.