What should you do if blood soaks through the dressing?

When blood soaks through the dressing, applying another dressing on top without removing the first one is the appropriate response. This approach effectively helps to manage bleeding by maintaining pressure on the wound while allowing for additional absorption of blood. It is critical to avoid removing the existing dressing, as this can disrupt any clot that may be forming and lead to increased bleeding.

Layering dressings can also be beneficial because it creates a more substantial barrier to blood loss and can help control the flow of blood more effectively. Additionally, this technique is particularly useful in emergency situations when timely access to professional medical assistance may still be needed.

In contrast, removing the dressing could exacerbate the situation by disturbing the wound site. Using adhesive tape to secure the dressing may not effectively address the underlying issue of bleeding, and applying a tourniquet immediately is usually reserved for more severe bleeding scenarios, particularly when the injury involves an extremity and other measures have failed.