How long does it take to pack a wound and hold pressure?

• A. 90 seconds
• B. 60 seconds
• C. 120 seconds
• D. 180 seconds

Answer: (A)

Focusing the question on the timing after packing a wound highlights the need to give the body a moment to form a clot while you maintain direct pressure. When you pack the wound with gauze, you’re creating a matrix that, combined with downward pressure, helps tamponade the bleeding site. Holding pressure for about 90 seconds provides enough time for initial clot formation and for the gauze to help halt arterial or capillary bleed without delaying further steps.

If you only hold for around a minute, some wounds—especially those with brisk bleeding—may not have fully stabilized yet. Waiting much longer than 90 seconds can delay moving on to additional gauze packing, a tourniquet if indicated, or transport to definitive care, which isn’t ideal. So, 90 seconds is the balanced target that supports effective hemostasis while keeping the care sequence moving.