What is the recommended action if bleeding continues after applying pressure to the wound?

When bleeding continues after applying pressure to a wound, applying manual pressure on the artery proximal to the wound is the recommended action because it helps to physically constrict the blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the area of injury. This technique, known as direct pressure on the artery, can be critical in controlling hemorrhage when standard pressure on the wound alone is ineffective. By occluding the artery, you can minimize blood loss until the patient can receive further medical treatment.

The other options do not effectively address the need to control ongoing bleeding. Applying additional ice may help reduce swelling and numb the area, but it does not actively stop the bleeding. Leaving the wound exposed can increase the risk of infection and does not aid in managing the hemorrhage. While placing the patient in a comfortable position is beneficial for overall care, it does not directly impact the control of bleeding. Therefore, applying manual pressure to the artery proximal to the wound is the most effective recommended action in this scenario.