If a child is bleeding significantly from a wound, what is the most immediate action to take?

In situations where a child is bleeding significantly from a wound, the most immediate and critical action to take is to apply pressure to the wound. This action helps to control the bleeding by directly compressing the blood vessels and minimizing blood loss. Applying direct pressure can often stop or significantly reduce the bleeding until further help can be provided or until the situation is stabilized.

Comforting the child is important for emotional support, but it is secondary to addressing the physical threat posed by significant bleeding. Using a tourniquet is typically reserved for severe cases of bleeding or when direct pressure is not effective, such as with limb injuries where the extremities are involved. Calling 911 is crucial for ensuring that medical professionals are notified and can respond, but it is not the first action to take when immediate first aid can be applied. Applying pressure should be the priority to mitigate the immediate danger of blood loss while waiting for emergency services.