Which method is NOT used to control bleeding?

The method of ice cooling is not typically used to control bleeding. When managing bleeding, the primary techniques focus on methods that promote clotting and limit blood loss. Direct pressure is the most effective first step; applying consistent pressure to a wound helps to stop bleeding by physically constricting blood vessels. Elevation, where the injured area is raised above the heart level, can also aid in reducing blood flow to the area and minimizing blood loss.

Applying pressure is a critical aspect of controlling bleeding, whether it is through the use of direct pressure with a bandage or dressing or through a tourniquet in more severe cases. While ice can be helpful in reducing swelling and managing pain in some injuries, it is not a primary method for controlling active bleeding because it does not directly address the need to compress blood vessels or promote clot formation. Therefore, ice cooling does not belong in the category of techniques used specifically for controlling bleeding.