Which of the following is an essential step to control severe bleeding?

Locating the point of bleeding is crucial in managing severe bleeding effectively. By identifying where the blood is coming from, you can determine the appropriate course of action to control the situation. Once you know the source, you can apply direct pressure to the wound, which is often the first step in stopping the bleeding. If the bleeding is particularly severe, further interventions, such as applying a tourniquet or dressing the wound, can be guided by the initial assessment of the bleeding location.

In contrast, while applying a tourniquet may be a necessary action in certain situations, it is generally not the first step unless direct pressure fails and the bleeding is life-threatening. Similarly, using a cold compress can help with swelling and pain but does not address severe bleeding directly, and elevating the limb might assist in slowing bleeding but does not replace the need for directly addressing the source of the blood loss. Thus, the correct approach begins with locating the bleeding point to implement the most effective treatment strategy.