What should be done if a wound is bleeding significantly?

When a wound is bleeding significantly, the appropriate response is to hold a clean cloth against it and apply pressure. This method is effective in controlling the bleeding by promoting clot formation, which is essential for the healing process. Applying direct pressure helps to compress the blood vessels at the injury site, reducing blood flow and encouraging clotting.

Using a clean cloth is critical as it minimizes the risk of introducing bacteria into the wound, which could lead to infection. It's essential to maintain pressure for several minutes and to avoid lifting the cloth to check for bleeding, as this can disrupt any potential clotting.

In contrast, simply applying a bandage without pressure would not effectively control significant bleeding. Washing the wound thoroughly before pressure is not advisable in cases of severe bleeding, as it could exacerbate the situation by allowing more blood to flow. Leaving the wound uncovered and merely observing could delay necessary medical intervention and potentially worsen the bleeding. Therefore, applying pressure with a clean cloth is the primary and most effective initial response to significant bleeding.