What type of pressure should be applied over a hematoma to control bleeding?

When managing a hematoma to control bleeding, the application of intense pressure is often necessary. This approach helps to compress the blood vessels and surrounding tissues, which can effectively reduce the blood flow to the area and promote hemostasis. Intense pressure can often be crucial in managing larger hematomas that may be actively bleeding or at risk of further bleeding.

Applying intense pressure helps to form a clot by physically obstructing the blood flow, thus allowing the body's natural mechanisms to take over in stopping the bleeding. In emergency and clinical settings, it may be necessary to maintain this pressure for a sustained time to ensure proper control over the bleeding.

In terms of other pressure levels: light pressure may not be sufficient to control a significant hematoma, as it does not provide enough force to compress the blood vessels adequately. Moderate pressure may be more effective than light pressure but might still fall short in cases where intense pressure is warranted. Variable pressure may be more confusing and less effective, as the lack of consistency in pressure application can fail to provide the sustained compression needed to assist in achieving hemostasis.