What is an effective method to control blood loss?

Elevation is an effective method to control blood loss because raising the injured area above the level of the heart helps to reduce blood flow to that area. This can minimize bleeding by decreasing hydrostatic pressure in the blood vessels, thereby reducing flow to an injured site. Elevation can be particularly useful in managing extremity injuries where direct pressure may not be sufficient alone, such as with a serious laceration or fracture.

In contrast, other methods like restrictive clothing may not be effective in controlling blood loss and could potentially impede blood circulation or worsen the injury. Immersion in cold water might temporarily numb pain and slow bleeding due to vasoconstriction, but it is not a primary method for controlling blood loss. Immediate transport is essential for definitive care in critical situations but does not directly address the immediate problem of bleeding control. Therefore, elevation is recognized as a crucial first aid step to manage bleeding effectively.