If direct pressure fails to stop bleeding from the abdomen, what should be the next course of action?

Using a hemostatic dressing is the appropriate course of action when direct pressure fails to stop bleeding from the abdomen. Hemostatic dressings are specially designed to promote clotting and control hemorrhage effectively. They contain materials that enhance the body's natural clotting response, making them particularly useful in situations where standard measures are inadequate.

In trauma cases where abdominal bleeding is present, every moment counts, and ensuring that bleeding is controlled can be the difference between life and death. Hemostatic dressings can be applied directly to the wound in conjunction with direct pressure to help facilitate clot formation and reduce blood loss.

The use of cooling pads may be beneficial in managing other conditions, such as hyperthermia, but it does not address bleeding directly. Administering intravenous fluids can be important for maintaining blood volume, but it does not resolve the immediate issue of controlling the source of bleeding. Positioning the patient upright can increase the risk of further bleeding and is not indicated in traumatic abdominal injuries, where a more stable or supine position may be more appropriate.