What should you avoid using on a bleeding wound if you don't have a tourniquet available?

Using hemostatic dressings on a bleeding wound is actually a suitable option when dealing with significant bleeding, particularly if a tourniquet is not available. Hemostatic dressings are designed to promote clotting and control bleeding, making them an effective choice in emergency situations.

In contrast, cotton balls, antibiotic cream, and elastic roller bandages may not effectively manage bleeding. Cotton balls do not provide enough pressure or absorbency, antibiotic cream does not stop blood flow, and elastic roller bandages might not control bleeding properly without the right application or underlying materials. Therefore, in the absence of a tourniquet, hemostatic dressings are specifically intended for use in such circumstances.