An adult injured patron is conscious and bleeding severely. What should you do after obtaining consent and putting on gloves?

When dealing with a conscious adult patron who is severely bleeding, applying firm pressure against the wound with a sterile dressing is crucial for controlling the bleeding. This method serves to minimize blood loss and helps the body's natural clotting process by providing direct pressure on the injury site. The use of a sterile dressing is important to prevent infection and further complications.

In this situation, obtaining consent and putting on gloves are vital initial steps to ensure both the responder's and the patron's safety, as well as to maintain a sterile environment. Once these steps are completed, applying direct pressure with a sterile dressing is the next logical step in providing first aid.

Other options, such as applying a cold compress, can potentially constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling, but they are not as effective as direct pressure in stopping severe bleeding. Administering oxygen may be beneficial in some medical situations, but it is not a primary intervention for controlling bleeding. Asking about the victim's medical history may provide useful information later, but it should not take precedence over immediate life-saving measures like controlling bleeding. Therefore, pressing firmly against the wound with a sterile dressing is the most appropriate and effective response to this scenario.