What is the first step to take if someone is bleeding?

The first step to take when dealing with bleeding is to place a sterile bandage or clean cloth on the wound. This action helps to control the bleeding by applying direct pressure to the area, which is crucial in minimizing blood loss and promoting clotting. Using a sterile bandage or clean cloth also reduces the risk of infection.

While calling emergency services is important, it typically comes after taking initial measures to manage the bleeding. Applying ice directly to the wound is not advisable as it can further hurt the tissue and does not address the bleeding effectively. Lifting the injured area above the heart can help reduce blood flow to the region, but it is also secondary to controlling the bleeding with direct pressure. Therefore, placing a bandage or cloth on the wound is the immediate and effective step to take.