How should you manage external bleeding in trauma patients?

Applying direct pressure and elevating the affected area is the most effective method for managing external bleeding in trauma patients. This technique works by applying sufficient pressure to the wound, which helps to constrict blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the area, allowing for clot formation and control of bleeding. Elevating the extremity can help decrease blood flow from the heart to the injured site, further assisting in bleeding control.

In contrast, keeping the patient standing is not advisable as it could lead to further complications, such as increased blood loss or fainting, especially if the patient is already experiencing significant bleeding. Applying ice may help with swelling and pain relief but does not effectively control bleeding or promote clotting. Leaving the wound open could result in additional contamination and does not support any physiological mechanisms to manage bleeding. Therefore, the approach of direct pressure combined with elevation is the most evidence-based method for managing external bleeding in trauma situations.